Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Learn why wisdom teeth removal is often recommended, the signs it’s necessary, the process, and recovery tips.
At Aspen Dental, we're here to help you wise up about wisdom tooth removal.
We'll answer the question of why are wisdom teeth removed, and explore the potential complications.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that grow in during adulthood. As the last teeth to form in your mouth, this final set of molars are commonly called wisdom teeth.
"Wisdom teeth" get their name from the Greek "odontias sophias," which translates to "teeth of wisdom." The third molars typically emerge or "erupt" at an age where people are "older and wiser" than their younger years. This is because on average, wisdom teeth develop between the ages of 17 and 25.
However, the timing of wisdom teeth eruption varies greatly. Some people's wisdom teeth come in as early as pre-adolescence or as late as their 30s or beyond. There are also cases where wisdom teeth never develop at all. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, with one in each quadrant of the mouth, but variations exist.
Not every patient will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, let's explore the reasons many patients will have their wisdom teeth extracted.
Problems associated with wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause a whole host of problems.
A common misconception is that it's completely necessary to extract every wisdom tooth. That's not the case; if your wisdom teeth emerge healthily, correctly aligned, and pose no complications, removal is unnecessary.
However, it's increasingly rare for wisdom teeth to develop in the proper position without any issues. For many people, problems with wisdom teeth include common concerns like cavities, gum infections, bite complications, and cysts. In these cases, removal is essential to prevent potential damage.
Generally, the main reason complications come up with wisdom teeth is simply the inadequate space for extra teeth. This reduced space is the cause of impacted teeth, where your third molars become partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone.
Impacted wisdom tooth do not erupt properly, and can start growing at an angle. They can cause pain, infection and damage to nearby teeth. Because impacted wisdom teeth also prove difficult to brush and floss, they're more prone to bacteria and decay.
9 out of 10 people have at least 1 impacted wisdom tooth, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Surgical removal is often the recommended treatment.
Reasons to get your wisdom teeth removed
As there are usually more problems with wisdom teeth than benefits, dentists often recommend removing them. In many cases, people can expect to schedule an oral surgery to extract their wisdom teeth at some point in their life.
Most patients get their wisdom teeth removed as a young adult, as it is simpler to remove them during that stage of development. Removal is more straightforward during this stage, because the jawbone is softer and the tooth roots haven't fully formed yet. The healing process also tends to be faster at this younger age.
Waiting until later in life for wisdom tooth removal can present challenges. As you age, the jawbone becomes denser and the wisdom teeth roots become more deeply entrenched. Early extraction typically results in a less complicated procedure with fewer complications and a quicker recovery.
Here are some common concerns and complications with wisdom teeth, and signs to look out for:
Sensitivity and pain
It's important to consult your dentist if you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain. With wisdom tooth pain, you'll likely feel a persistent, dull throb in the rear of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, and you may also feel stiffness in your jaw, swelling and pain in the ears or head.
It is normal to have tenderness as wisdom teeth erupt, as with any tooth eruption. However, it can be a sign of underlying issues, including impaction, so sensitivity and pain associated with wisdom teeth should be swiftly evaluated and treated.
Jaw damage
As wisdom teeth put pressure on other teeth, they can cause headaches and exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Wisdom teeth can also cause jaw damage over time.
In certain situations, a fluid-filled cyst or tumor can develop around the base of an untreated wisdom tooth. These cysts can cause more severe complications as they expand, hollowing out the jaw and harming nearby nerves and teeth.
Cavities
A major reason to remove wisdom teeth are cavities to the third molar. Wisdom teeth are more likely to get cavities, because they are more difficult to clean. If left untreated, these infections can even spread to the second molar.
Inflamed gums
If you have inflamed gums surrounding your wisdom teeth, you may have pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is an infection that impacts gum tissue after a partially impacted wisdom tooth breaks through the gumline. The partial eruption of a wisdom tooth creates a pocket where food particles, plaque and bacteria become trapped. This gum disease causes swelling, pain, and difficulty opening the mouth, and must be treated.
Sinus issues
Wisdom teeth put pressure on the surrounding structures, causing or worsening sinus issues, congestion and discomfort.
Preventive measures
Sometimes wisdom tooth removal is proactive. Some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth just to avoid the possibility of impacted teeth. Impacted teeth don't always present symptoms, so a preventative procedure is often advised.
Additionally, when wisdom teeth are removed early in development, even before the roots have fully formed, healing tends to be much easier.
When do you need to remove wisdom teeth?
Dentists recommend that if there are no painful symptoms and the wisdom teeth have room to grow, there is no need to remove them. However, there are key reasons and circumstances to extract wisdom teeth. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth should be removed under the following circumstances:
Severe pain
Infection or periodontal disease
Impacted wisdom teeth
Cavities and tooth decay that can't be restored
Cysts or Tumors
Damage to neighboring teeth
If you've been experiencing the above symptoms, talk with your dentist to discuss whether you should extract your wisdom teeth.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't remove my wisdom teeth?
If your mouth has room for wisdom teeth and they'll grow in healthily and aligned, no action is needed. If your teeth are impacted, however, serious complications like infection and jaw damage can arise.
What is the benefit of removing wisdom teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth can alleviate pain and prevent the risk of cavities, gum disease, and jaw damage.
When should I keep my wisdom teeth?
If your wisdom teeth will grow in aligned and healthy, keep them. However, 9 out of 10 patients will have impacted wisdom teeth.
Not sure whether you need to remove your wisdom teeth?
Your oral health is important. While some pain and discomfort may not be confirmation of wisdom teeth problems, only a professional can tell for sure. Contact Aspen Dental to schedule an appointment and discuss your unique situation.
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