Upon reaching your late teen years, you may assume that the teeth you see in your mouth are the only teeth you will ever have. However, there is a strong possibility that your wisdom teeth may still erupt, even in early adulthood.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common experience for many American teenagers. As these new teeth attempt to break through, dental offices fill up with young students seeking relief from soreness in their mouths. But is this a universal experience? And why do some need to have their wisdom teeth removed?
Do All People Have Wisdom Teeth?
Dental professionals say not everyone has a complete set of teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most frequent congenitally missing teeth.
Why Do Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can cause prolonged and severe pain. This pain can affect other body parts, like the neck, back, arms, and head. Apart from pain, other oral problems can arise. These include impacted teeth, infection, cavities, and shifting teeth. These reasons make it natural for people to opt to have them removed.
Impacted Teeth and Infection
As vestigial features, these teeth tend to come out haphazardly. Sometimes, they grow horizontally, making them impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can have a significant risk of infection.
Cavities and Shifting Teeth
Given the cramped space where third molars erupt and the irregular way they grow, they can easily trap food particles, leading to cavities. Also, wisdom teeth can push fully-developed teeth away from their original position when they erupt.
When Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The American Public Health Association does not support preventative extraction. The main reason is the risk of sustaining nerve injury during the procedure. Impacted wisdom teeth develop in an area full of nerves, leading to severe pain. Having them extracted could bruise nearby nerves and permanently damage them.
Currently, dentists recommend doing it only when necessary. Still, preventative extraction will depend on your dentist's judgment. An experienced dental care professional can determine whether your wisdom teeth will cause trouble in the future.
How to Know When to Keep Wisdom Teeth
You should assess your situation to determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, wisdom tooth extraction will be necessary to relieve your symptoms. However, you probably will not need to have your wisdom teeth removed in the following situations:
Your third molars are healthy, fully erupted, and in a good position
They are not crowding your first and second molars
Your upper and lower molars are aligned
It is always best to have your dentist verify your situation and discuss why you do not need preventative extraction.
Potential Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After a wisdom tooth extraction, you can expect mild to moderate pain and swelling. However, a few other complications are also possible. These include dry sockets, subperiosteal abscesses, and bacterial infections. Your dentist will treat each complication differently based on its severity.
Conclusion
The decision to remove wisdom teeth is not always clear. So, it is best to make it after consulting an oral surgeon. They will determine the position and health of your wisdom teeth and what is best for your situation.
For more dental care tips, visit Marietta Smile Gallery at our Marietta, Georgia office. Call 770-809-1500 to schedule an appointment today.
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