Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often viewed as an inconvenience for those who have them. These teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties and can cause a host of problems for oral health if left untreated. While some people may opt to keep their wisdom teeth, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of doing so. In this blog post, we will explore why you need to remove wisdom teeth and the potential consequences of leaving them in place.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth, and they typically begin to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these teeth without any problems, many individuals experience issues with their wisdom teeth that may necessitate their removal. Here are some common reasons why wisdom teeth removal may be recommended:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully emerge and align properly with the rest of the teeth. When a wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt through the gum line, it is considered impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various problems, including pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
- Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort. This discomfort may be intermittent or chronic and can be felt in the back of the mouth or radiate to other areas, such as the jaw, ear, or throat.
- Infection and Swelling: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets of gum tissue around them that are difficult to clean. These areas can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to the development of gum infections (pericoronitis) and swelling.
- Tooth Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth as they try to emerge, potentially causing crowding or shifting of other teeth. This can disrupt the alignment of your existing teeth and affect your bite.
- Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, cysts or benign tumors may form around impacted wisdom teeth. These growths can cause damage to the jawbone and neighbouring teeth if left untreated.
- Difficulty in Oral Hygiene: Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean properly. Inadequate cleaning can lead to decay and gum disease, which can affect not only the wisdom teeth but also the adjacent molars.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces), the presence of wisdom teeth can complicate the alignment process. Dentists and orthodontists may recommend removal to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
- Preventative Removal: In some cases, dentists or oral surgeons recommend proactive removal of wisdom teeth before they cause problems. This is often done in the late teens or early twenties to prevent potential future issues.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth, and some individuals may have enough space in their mouths to accommodate them without issues. The decision to remove wisdom teeth is typically made after a thorough examination by a dentist or oral surgeon, taking into account factors like the position of the teeth, the patient’s age, and their overall oral health. If removal is recommended, the procedure is often done under local or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.