The notion of undergoing any dental procedure can be a bit intimidating, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder if it is really necessary! Your dentist or oral surgeon is the best person to examine your unique case and let you know if your wisdom teeth need to be taken out. In the meantime, you might gain some valuable insight by reading this blog post.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which develop at the very back of the mouth. They tend to grow later than other teeth, usually when a person is in their teens or early 20s. Scientists believe that in ancient times, early human ancestors needed these extra teeth in order to consume their rough diet. In the modern world, foods tend to be much easier to eat, which has caused wisdom teeth to become unnecessary. In fact, most people’s mouths are too small to accommodate a third set of molars!
When Is It Safe to Keep Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom tooth extractions are not necessary for everyone. If your dentist sees that your third molars are not currently causing any significant problems, and they are not likely to do so in the near future, you may choose to keep them.
Here are a few indications that it is probably safe to retain your wisdom teeth:
- They have fully emerged from the gumline.
- It is not difficult for you to thoroughly clean them.
- You are not experiencing any symptoms around them, such as pain, bite problems, or gum swelling.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
If your mouth does not have enough space for your wisdom teeth to completely grow out of your gumline, you might run into some significant oral health problems. When these teeth are impacted (stuck partially or fully beneath the gums), they are more likely to develop infections and cysts. They can also be very difficult to keep clean, which can lead to issues like cavities and gum disease. In certain cases, impacted wisdom teeth even push against neighboring teeth and cause them to shift out of place. Getting them extracted may prevent such issues.
Your dentist should periodically take X-rays to monitor your wisdom teeth. If removing them becomes necessary, you may be referred to a trustworthy oral surgeon, particularly if your teeth are impacted.
It is also worth mentioning that some people opt to get their wisdom teeth extracted as a purely precautionary measure.
Wisdom teeth removal is not necessary for everyone, but it is in most cases! Talk to your dental care team to find out whether this procedure could benefit your oral health.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard are the skilled oral surgery specialists in our Houston practice. They are able to handle even complex wisdom tooth removal cases. Sedation is available to make the extraction process as easy as possible. If you are concerned about the health of your third molars, our team is ready to evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. Contact Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 713-783-5560.