Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed Yet?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in humans. They usually appear in the late teenage years or early 20s. Sometimes, these teeth can be considered useful when they are able to erupt normally. However, they are often positioned incorrectly and need to be removed.

When wisdom teeth are in an improper position, they may lie horizontally, turn outward, turn toward or away from the second molars, or tilt inward or outward from the gums. Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can be harmful to other teeth, the jawbone, or the nerves.

My dentist recommended that I have my wisdom teeth removed, but they are not causing any problems. Is it really necessary to undergo wisdom tooth surgery? Today, wisdom tooth surgery is considered a basic dental procedure and is commonly performed in young adult patients. It may not always be a serious issue. Wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they:

• Are healthy
• Grow normally and are fully erupted from the gums
• Are positioned correctly and can bite properly against the opposing teeth
• Can be cleaned normally

However, when wisdom teeth begin to cause problems, or when X-ray results show that they are in an incorrect position, they need to be removed. The reasons for removal include:

• Still hidden inside the gums: If the tooth cannot erupt normally, the molar may become trapped inside the jaw. Sometimes, this can lead to infection or may cause a cyst that can damage the tooth roots or surrounding bone.
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth: Since this area is difficult to see and clean, wisdom teeth can become a source of bacterial buildup, leading to gum disease and oral infection.
• Nearby teeth may shift or tilt: If the wisdom tooth cannot erupt through the gums, it may push against nearby teeth, causing them to tilt or become damaged. This can lead to pain and problems with chewing.

• Sinus problems: Wisdom teeth may cause pain in the sinus area, pressure, and blockage.

• Gum inflammation: The tissue around the wisdom tooth can become swollen and more difficult to clean.

• Cavity formation: Swollen gums can create spaces between the teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and causing tooth decay.

• Tooth alignment: Wisdom teeth may cause other teeth to shift, which may lead to the need for orthodontic treatment.

Preventive Efforts

Some dentists may remove healthy molars to prevent wisdom tooth problems in the future. As you get older, the bones in your mouth become stronger, making tooth extraction more difficult. If you wait, you may experience post-surgical problems ranging from heavy bleeding and tooth decay to numbness and a slight loss of jaw movement. These problems may take 2–3 days to recover from, or they may become permanent.

The decision to remove wisdom teeth is still not entirely clear-cut. The dentist will examine the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to help make a decision. Your age also plays a role. You should consult your dentist or oral surgeon about the position and health of your wisdom teeth in order to choose the best course of action.

 

Reference :

Dental World Clinic Blog Oral Health Wisdom Teeth Removal
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