Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure. As such, many people take it for granted that they will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. But is that really true? Do your wisdom teeth absolutely need to come out, or is it possible that you might be able to keep them? Your dentist is here to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the right choice regarding your wisdom teeth.
What are the Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that attempt to erupt near the back of the mouth long after all of the other teeth have already come in. While most people are born with four wisdom teeth, some individuals have fewer, and there are those who don’t have any at all.
A long time ago, wisdom teeth may have been necessary to help ancient humans chew coarse or rough foods. Nowadays, however, these “extra” teeth are not needed; as such, if they start to cause problems, they can be removed without having a negative impact on the function of your mouth.
Is It Always Necessary to Have Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
The vast majority of people end up needing to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it’s worth noting that there are exceptions. It may be possible for you to keep your wisdom teeth if:
- They are in good health.
- They have fully erupted inside your mouth.
- They are aligned properly with the rest of the teeth.
- You are able to clean them thoroughly.
When Do the Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom tooth removal is considered necessary if any of the following problems have occurred:
- The wisdom teeth have failed to emerge from beneath the gums or have only partially erupted.
- The wisdom teeth have come in crooked, potentially damaging your other teeth.
- You are experiencing pain in or around your wisdom teeth.
- There are cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that have formed in the area where the wisdom teeth are located.
- You are suffering from oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay.
If it looks like the wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems, it is best to remove them before that can happen. If you visit your dentist, they can take a look at your wisdom teeth and your mouth as a whole in order to decide whether or not an extraction is truly needed to protect your oral health.
In short, it’s not necessarily guaranteed that your wisdom teeth will need to be taken out. However, it’s definitely not a possibility you can ignore; get in touch with your dentist right away if you have concerns regarding your wisdom teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Navi Dhaliwal graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. At Complete Dental Care of Covington, she provides comprehensive, patient-focused care. In cases where wisdom tooth extraction is needed, she always makes sure that her patients stay as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dhaliwal, visit her website or call (253) 243-6576.