To remove wisdom teeth or not?

The dentist recommends getting rid of wisdom teeth, but you doubt it because they do not cause discomfort. Should you agree to the operation?

Today, wisdom teeth removal has become an almost routine procedure, a kind of rite of passage for young people. However, such an operation is not always indicated.

Preventive measures

when is it worth thinking about removing wisdom teeth

Even if your wisdom teeth don’t bother you, this doesn’t guarantee that they are healthy. They may be impacted or in an abnormal position. This means that there is not enough space for them to erupt normally. Perhaps your jaw is not large enough or your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle to other teeth, putting pressure on the neighboring teeth.

Many experts recommend removing healthy wisdom teeth to prevent possible complications in the future. As you age, the bone tissue of the jaw becomes denser, which complicates the removal procedure.

Delaying the removal can lead to postoperative complications, such as excessive bleeding, tooth fracture, prolonged numbness, and limited jaw mobility. These consequences can be temporary or last a lifetime.

When is wisdom teeth removal necessary?

If wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or x-rays indicate potential problems in the future, their removal is recommended. Other important reasons for extraction include:

Violation of the integrity of adjacent teeth: Extra molars can provoke the displacement of other teeth, causing pain in the mouth and problems with the bite.
Jawbone damage: Cystic formations can form around wisdom teeth. Without timely treatment, they can lead to the destruction of jaw bone tissue and damage to nerve endings.
Sinus problems: Difficulty in the eruption of wisdom teeth can cause sinusitis, which manifests itself as pain, a feeling of pressure and congestion.
Gum inflammation: The tissue around the problematic tooth can become inflamed, making it difficult to maintain oral hygiene.
Tooth decay: Depressions can form between the teeth, in which bacteria accumulate, contributing to the development of caries.
Malocclusion: Erupted wisdom teeth can cause crowding of other teeth and require orthodontic treatment to align them.

To make an informed decision, your dentist will evaluate your jaw structure and the arrangement of your teeth. The patient’s age is also an important factor.

If you are unsure about the need for extraction, ask your dentist to explain in detail the condition of your teeth and the possible consequences. In some cases, it is acceptable to wait for some time to assess the dynamics of the situation. However, if you experience pain, swelling or an unpleasant odor in the area of the back teeth, a second consultation with a specialist is recommended.