Why Might You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Growth of your last set of molars to complete your set of 32 teeth could be exciting until it gets painful. For long, wisdom teeth removed have been known to cause more problems than any other teeth. While most doctors suggest extraction of a tooth only when it creates a problem, some recommend getting them removed even before they come in to avoid problems in the future.

Here’s a List of Reasons Why You Might Need You to Get your Wisdom Teeth Extracted:-

1. Abnormal Growth –

   Wisdom teeth are infamous for their abnormal growth, making this the most common reason for extraction. They are known to grow horizontally towards the existing molar pressing onto them or in the opposite direction. They could also grow inward or outward, causing discomfort and severe pain. Besides pain, abnormal growth also increases the risk of infection as the teeth remain half embedded into the jaw, opening a passage for bacteria to enter.

2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth –

   In some conditions, there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to grow normally from the jaws and develop. These impacted teeth could cause several complications such as tender, swollen or bleeding gums, stiffness and swelling in jaws, jaw pain, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth. However, in some cases, it could be asymptomatic, leading to problems in the future if not removed.

3. Infections or Cavities –

   Infections or cavities occur when bacteria make a hole on the enamel of the teeth eating its way to the roots. While it is one of the most common tooth problems which could happen on any tooth, wisdom teeth removal are the most vulnerable. The vulnerability lies in the fact that they are located on the extreme corner of the jaw and are difficult to reach while brushing or flossing. Adding on, a partially impacted wisdom tooth has a higher risk of getting infected because of its shape and angle.

4. Lesions –

   In rare cases, lesions or abnormal-looking tissues such as cyst or tumors may form around the impacted wisdom tooth. It occurs even before the wisdom teeth grow and can cause problems to your adjacent tooth, jaw bone, and other anatomical structures. In severe cases, the lesion enlarges to the point of eating away at the supporting bone, creating a risk of pathological fracture of the bone. It is a malignant situation and calls for immediate extraction of the tooth. 

5. Sinus Issues –

   If your wisdom tooth grows in on your upper jaw, they can push and rub against the sinuses creating several issues. Although this is very rare, it could cause sinus pain, congestion, pressure, and headaches.

6. Pericoronitis –

   Pericoronitis is an inflammation of tissues surrounding the wisdom teeth that generally occurs when there’s a flap of gum tissue covering some part of the erupting tooth’s crown. This condition is more common in a partially impacted wisdom tooth.While most dentists recommend the extraction of teeth, some remove only the excess flap allowing the tooth to grow.

7. To Prevent Future Problems –

   Considering all the issues growth of wisdom teeth could cause, some dentists suggest removal of wisdom teeth even before they come in. They believe that not removing wisdom teeth is just delaying the inevitable and could cause problems, especially if you develop lesions.

However, most dentists and health experts disagree with this approach. Keeping in mind, tips to prevent cavities, the cost of extraction, pain, and aftercare, most dentists, find it rather wasteful to pluck out completely healthy teeth.

While the medical debate continues, it is advisable to get your teeth checked every six months to make sure they are all in a pristine state. If you disagree with your dentist’s treatment plan, you can always go to another dentist for a second opinion. Our experts at Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery are also available to listen to your problems and provide the required dental treatments.