Wisdom Teeth Extractions: Necessary or Not
Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the posterior region of your mouth that erupt between the ages of 17 to 25. Debates have been raging for quite some time about whether wisdom teeth should be extracted or left in place in the mouth. No clarity is available on the suggestions provided by dentists in favor of wisdom tooth extraction. Therefore it is recommended that a discussion be held with the dentist or oral surgeon about the health and position of your wisdom teeth and expert advice sought to understand the best solution for your unique situation.
When Can Wisdom Teeth Remain in the Mouth?
Wisdom teeth removal may not be a requirement if the teeth are healthy, have fully erupted, are correctly positioned, cause no problems biting with their opposite numbers, and are easy to clean as part of daily oral hygiene practices. These are situations when the wisdom teeth can be allowed to remain in the mouth because they are not causing any problems to you. Unfortunately, this is not the condition with many people who are recommended wisdom tooth extraction by their dentists for the reasons mentioned below.
Why Are Dentist’s Recommending Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth being the last to erupt often do not have sufficient space in the jaw to grow properly. The insufficient space causes the wisdom teeth to grow at different angles within the jaw and the angles can even be horizontal. Some of the problems that can affect people with improperly grown wisdom teeth are the following:
- When wisdom teeth are unable to erupt properly they can remain hidden below the gum line or become impacted. In certain cases, this can result in infections or cysts that damage other tooth roots or support from the bone.
- Wisdom teeth can emerge partially through the gums leading to problems in the mouth. The posterior region of the mouth poses difficulties because it is not visible clearly and is also difficult to clean. This becomes a fertile ground for bacteria that are the primary reasons for gum disease and oral infections.
- Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and damage the neighboring teeth simply because they have insufficient space to erupt properly.
If you have wisdom teeth in your mouth that are affected by any of the above problems your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal to relieve you from the problems you could be facing.
The procedure for wisdom teeth removal is as fearful as root canal treatment and could send you into a tizzy wondering what you did to have this problem thrust upon you. However, you must understand that it is just a part of your body that hasn’t erupted properly and is causing problems you may not have anticipated. You can discuss the pros and cons of having wisdom teeth extracted Burton Dentistry that will provide you all information about why or how you will benefit from the extraction.
What Do Dentists Believe about Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Professional dentists believe wisdom teeth are better removed when they haven’t fully emerged. They recommend removing these teeth early when the roots and bone are still forming. The reason for this recommendation is the faster recovery observed from wisdom teeth surgery among the younger population. It is also the reason why many young adults are having their wisdom teeth extracted before they are confronted with any problems.
What Does the ADA Have To Say about Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The ADA states that wisdom teeth removal may be a requirement if you begin experiencing problems in the location of the wisdom teeth. Some of the problems mentioned by the ADA include:
- Damage to neighboring teeth.
- Pain.
- Persistent infections to the soft tissue behind the last tooth in the lower jaw.
- Fluid-filled sacs.
- Tumors.
- Gum disease.
- Tooth decay of the extensive variety.
The recommendation of the ADA despite being clear still creates confusion in the minds of people and dentists about whether these back molars should be extracted or left in place. The best professional to advise you whether or not to undergo the procedure for wisdom teeth removal would be your dentist or oral surgeon. It is recommended that you follow the advice of these dental professionals who on most occasions are only interested in preserving teeth rather than having them extracted. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth leave dental professionals in a conundrum because they are required to perform a procedure they have been taught to avoid.