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Is it Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Posted in General Dentistry

Some people go to the dentist for a checkup and even though you are not having any wisdom tooth pain, he suggests getting them out. Removing wisdom teeth is more like a rite of passage these days, and it has become a standard practice. One study indicated that about 10 million people get their wisdom teeth removed every year and over 60% don’t actually need the procedure. Even if you are not having any problems, dental professionals may recommend they be removed. Remember that it is ultimately your choice and it may not be necessary to have them removed unless you start having problems. But there may also be some reasons to have them out before any symptoms are felt.

Preventing Problems Later On

Even if there is no pain in the area of the wisdom teeth, doesn’t mean there is not anything wrong. It is possible to have impacted wisdom teeth and not even know it. When they are impacted, it means they are stuck and cannot break through the surface of the gum and into the mouth. Some people have small mouths and there isn’t room for the wisdom teeth. Other times, wisdom teeth grow at an angle to the other teeth and push against them causing damage. Dentists may recommend wisdom tooth extraction in Waterloo to prevent problems from occurring later on. As you get older, the procedure carries more risk since they are more difficult to remove.

Sometimes It’s Necessary

Obviously, if you are suffering from wisdom tooth pain the dentist is going to want to remove them. But there are also some other reasons to remove them. These might include:

  • Prevent Damage to Your Other Teeth: When the wisdom teeth do not have room, they can push on the other teeth causing pain and biting difficulty.
  • Prevent Damage to the Jaw: When teeth are trying to come through cysts can begin to form. If these are not treated properly, they can cause the jaw to hollow out and eventually damage the nerves.
  • Issues with the Sinuses: Wisdom teeth complications can end up causing sinus congestion, pain and pressure.
  • Swollen Gums: Tissues around the teeth can form small flaps which can trap food and lead to infections or swelling. When the tissue is swollen, it can be difficult to keep clean.
  • Prevent Cavities: When the gums swell, pockets can develop around or between teeth and give bacteria a place to grow. This causes the formation of cavities.
  • Improper Alignment:Impacted wisdom teeth can completely undo the work of braces, and other types of dental work.

If you are not ready to have your wisdom teeth removed, talk to your dentist and ask what he thinks about it. He can express anything he thinks is concerning. In many cases, you can wait many months to see if anything changes. If you notice pain, swelling or a strong odor coming from the back teeth, maybe reconsider having them removed.