If you’re wondering whether to undergo wisdom teeth removal, you’re not alone! It’s a common dilemma for many of us. Wisdom teeth or the third molars typically appear during late teens to early 20s, but they often bring along a host of issues.
While the decision to remove them isn’t always clear-cut, it’s often the best course of action for safeguarding both your oral health and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top five compelling reasons why wisdom teeth removal may be necessary.
The Wisdom Behind Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Crowding and Misalignment
One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is crowding and misalignment. As wisdom teeth emerge, they may not have enough space to fully erupt properly. This can push other adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and misalignment issues over time. Crowded teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but can also make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
If your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal and you delay it, you may later have to undergo orthodontic treatment to realign your teeth. So, be prepared to get timely extractions to prevent the need for such extensive repairs.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Another prevailing issue with wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when wisdom tooth fails to fully emerge through the gum line when they don’t have enough room to emerge properly or are growing at odd angles. As a result, the wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone.
Partially erupted teeth not only cause discomfort pain but also create opportunities for bacteria to enter around the tooth, leading to infections, swelling, jaw pain, headaches, and other problems if left untreated.
Getting impacted wisdom teeth removed prevents such issues and painful flare-ups. As you age, extraction becomes more complicated as the root reaches complete growth and bone density increases. Pay extra attention to getting your wisdom teeth checked if you’re a teen or in your early 20s since impaction likelihood increases with age.
3. Risk of Infection
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, giving them a good cleaning can be quite challenging. As a result, they are more prone to decay and infection, welcoming spots for bacteria to hide. And when such infections buildup, they enable gum diseases to take hold.
If you have a severely infected wisdom tooth, it could lead to a week-long hospital stay and may require treatment with intravenous antibiotics and removal of the tooth. So, early detection of these problems can reduce the risk of such infections and help maintain optimal oral health.
4. Growth of Cysts and Tumours
Imagine having an impacted wisdom teeth followed by a long-standing infection. what could be worse if you delay extraction for years after initial impaction? Such conditions can clearly enable the formation of cysts and tumours in the surrounding tissues. It may take years for these growths to fully develop, but there are cases where, if left untreated, some tumours swell to the size of golf balls.
Tumours may be benign or cancerous, posing significant health risks and requiring invasive treatments. Regular dental check-ups and timely removal of impacted wisdom teeth can help prevent the formation of cysts and tumours in the jaw.
5. Preventive Measures for Future Problems
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing any noticeable issues, their presence can still pose a risk for future problems. Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be challenging to monitor and maintain over time. Leaving them in place may lead to unforeseen complications down the road, such as cysts, tumours, or gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth preventively can mitigate these risks and safeguard long-term oral health.
Extracting problematic wisdom teeth can drastically improve comfort in your jaws. And less dental work over your lifetime means savings down the road.
Should You Have Yours Removed?
As you decide on whether to have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s essential to assess your individual risk factors before making a decision. Consult with your dentist to decide the optimal timing for extraction, considering factors such as:
- Difficulty of wisdom tooth placement or emergence
- Presence of impaction or signs of infection
- Potential damage or changes to neighbouring teeth
- Existence of cysts or tumours in the oral cavity
- Family history of wisdom tooth-related problems
Extractions performed during the teenage or young adult years can prevent most complications and promote faster healing. If you’re experiencing any of the mentioned risk factors, it’s advisable to consider wisdom teeth removal.
Conclusion
From easing pain and discomfort to preventing potential complications such as crowding, impaction, infection, cysts, and tumours, wisdom teeth removal can greatly improve overall oral health and well-being.
The severity of these risk factors varies form person to person. Consulting with your dentist enables the assessment of individual risks. Early intervention in addressing issues serves as a preventive measure against future problems, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care.
At RS Dental Group, our mission is to provide top-quality dental care to our patients. With a focus on preventive dentistry, we offer comprehensive services including regular check-ups, fillings, cleanings, oral surgery, and wisdom teeth extraction.
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to ensuring your oral health and comfort. We strive to create a welcoming environment where patients feel at ease, and we utilize the latest technologies and techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes. Trust Richmond Dental Clinic for all your dental needs and experience excellence in oral care.
FAQs
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
Some discomfort and swelling are common after the procedure, but your dentist will administer anaesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the extraction. They’ll also provide post-operative instructions to manage any discomfort effectively.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing abilities. In general, most people recover within a few days to a week after the procedure.
Will removing my wisdom teeth affect my facial appearance?
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth won’t significantly impact facial appearance. However, if there are underlying issues such as severe misalignment or crowding, your dentist may recommend additional treatments to address them.
Are there any risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are minor risks involved with wisdom teeth removal, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these risks are relatively rare, and your dentist will take necessary precautions to minimise them.
