Having wisdom teeth removed used to be a necessity around the time that teenagers graduated from high school – before they went off to college. However, times have changed, and keeping wisdom teeth in for a bit longer is okay, as long as your health is not affected, and you look out for any signs of trouble. This leaves the question, “When is it absolutely necessary to take them out?”
Is It Mandatory?
While many dentists will suggest that you have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering why, especially if they do not hurt. Even though a wisdom tooth extraction is a dental standard amongst young adults, this oral surgery is not always necessary. With more than 10 million wisdom teeth extractions taking place each year, approximately 60 percent of these extractions are not needed.
Dentist have experience that the average person does not, which means they are right to recommend wisdom teeth extractions. Even though you may not feel any pain, there may be other issues that are taking place, such as your teeth being stuck. Wisdom teeth can impact other teeth in your mouth. For instance, if they are stuck, it is hard for them to break through the jaw into your mouth. Another issue is your mouth being too small to make room for the wisdom teeth, which could cause them to grow at another angle; this could damage the tooth next to it if the wisdom tooth is pushing up against it.
Another reason why dentists want to extract the wisdom teeth is because of age. It is true that as a person ages, the harder it will be to remove their teeth.
When is the Right Time?
When your wisdom teeth begin to cause issues, it is necessary to take them out. Sometimes an x-ray will show that problems could occur down the line due to the wisdom teeth, and your dentist will want to take them out immediately, in order to prevent those potential dental issues.
There are other reasons why your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted immediately, such as:
• Sinus pain – Could be caused by the wisdom teeth
• Alignment issues – Wisdom teeth can have a negative impact on braces
• Jaw damage – Cysts could begin to form, and when untreated, they cause nerve damage and hollow out the jaw
• Inflamed gums
• Cavities
The decision to extract your wisdom teeth is not always clear, which is why you need to consult with your dentist on this matter. An oral surgeon will explain your options to you, and help you decide what the best solution for your situation is.
Doctor Roman Temkin is a Brooklyn based physician who specializes in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.
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