Do you still have your wisdom teeth? You might’ve heard horror stories about these third molars and wonder whether they always have to be removed. After all, some people have them taken out even if they aren’t causing problems. It might be surprising to hear, but not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Here’s why.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to come in. They typically erupt in the late teens to early 20s and are located at the very back of the mouth. In the past, these third molars were used to break down a tougher, more abrasive diet. Your ancestors had larger jaws to account for them, but this isn’t the case in modern times. There’s less room for these structures, so they can be trouble for some people.
Why Do Most People Remove Their Wisdom Teeth?
Without enough space for wisdom teeth, they can cause discomfort for many people. They can come in at the wrong angle and push against the neighboring teeth. This can cause shifting and misalignment over time.
For some, their third molars can become impacted. This is when they don’t fully emerge along the gumline, which can cause some tenderness in the surrounding soft tissues. These areas can also be tougher to clean, increasing the risk of decay and infection.
Should You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
The complications above aren’t guaranteed. There are plenty of patients who have healthy wisdom teeth that erupt just fine without causing any problems. If this is true for you, then you may not need any extractions, but your dentist might monitor them to ensure they aren’t trouble. Dental X-rays help with this; your provider can see how they erupt and whether they will be a concern. That way, they stay on top of any issues.
How to Tell If You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
In the end, the best way to know if you need to remove your wisdom teeth is by talking to your dentist. They can do examinations and take advanced images to see whether extractions are right for you. You can get this procedure as a preventive measure even before you start to feel any symptoms.
Though if you are already experiencing pain, tenderness, and swelling in the back of your mouth, then it may be right for you. But your provider is here to help you know what you should do next.
About the Author
Dr. Hui Zhang earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to helping patients in Justin protect their smiles with a wide range of treatments, like wisdom tooth extractions. By having a consultation, Dr. Zhang can ensure this procedure is right for you and make it comfortable with state-of-the-art technology. If your third molars are causing you trouble, schedule an appointment or call her office at 940-946-0055.