Why should you remove wisdom teeth? | Dr Sasank K | FMS Dental

Why should you remove wisdom teeth? | Dr Sasank K | FMS Dental
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone needs to have them removed, but several reasons may necessitate their extraction:
Why You Should Remove Wisdom Teeth:
1. Impaction: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow properly and can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or grow sideways. This can lead to:
- Pain and discomfort
- Infection due to trapped food and bacteria
- Swelling and inflammation
2. Crowding and Misalignment: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment as they try to erupt, leading to:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Disruption of orthodontic work, such as braces or aligners
3. Cavities and Decay: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean. This can result in:
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Gum disease (pericoronitis) due to trapped food and bacteria around partially erupted teeth
4. Cyst Formation: In some cases, a sac around the wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage nearby teeth, roots, and bone.
5. Risk of Infection: As wisdom teeth are harder to clean, they are prone to bacterial infections, leading to painful and recurrent problems.
When Should You Consider Removing Wisdom Teeth?
- Symptoms of pain or swelling in the back of your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- Signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or bad breath
- Preventive reasons, especially if your dentist sees potential for future issues, even if there are no current symptoms.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal:
- Consultation: Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely take X-rays to assess the position of the teeth.
- Surgery: Wisdom teeth removal is typically a minor outpatient procedure. It can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the complexity.
- Recovery: After the surgery, you may experience swelling, mild discomfort, and bleeding for a few days. Most patients recover fully in about one to two weeks.
Do You Always Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Not necessarily. If your wisdom teeth are:
- Fully erupted,
- Aligned with other teeth,
- Not causing pain or complications,
they may not need to be removed. However, regular dental check-ups are important to monitor their condition over time.
In summary, wisdom teeth should be removed when they cause or have the potential to cause problems, but a dental professional can give you the best advice based on individual assessment.