Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are one of the last to come in. However, it also ends up causing a number of issues for a lot of people. Data from private dental insurance claims tells us that 50% of patients visiting dental clinics had a wisdom tooth extracted. The study also notes that wisdom teeth extraction is the most common surgery in America for young adults and adolescents.
For some people, these teeth come in without issue, while others experience discomfort, crowding, or other dental complications. This can lead you to wonder if your wisdom teeth need to be removed or not. Well, in this article, we’ll be exploring precisely this topic. Let’s dive in.
The Case for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
It’s common to see many dentists recommend the preemptive extraction of wisdom teeth. For a significant portion of the population, these teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, leading to a variety of complications. These include infection, crowding, and impaction.
Because of these potential issues, many dentists recommend having your wisdom teeth removed before they cause major problems. Younger patients, especially teenagers, do have an easier time recovering from the procedure than adults.
This is why many people have them extracted as a preventive measure, even if they aren’t currently experiencing pain or discomfort. If you have a teenage child, ensure you educate them on what to expect.
A systematic review found that patients who undergo wisdom tooth extraction report significant improvements in their quality of life. The initial few postoperative days were tough, but the quality of life, particularly regarding pain management and the ability to eat comfortably, improved afterward.
When It Might Be Best to Leave Them Alone
Many experts agree that sometimes wisdom tooth extraction can lead to a number of complications. According to the Dental Health Society, the blood may not properly clot after removal and leaves your nerves exposed. This can be quite painful and is known as alveolar osteitis or dry socket.
Similarly, other complications like exposed sinus cavities, trismus or lockjaw, and nerve damage. If you’re unsure whether to get your wisdom teeth removed, consider watching out for the warning signs that extraction may be necessary.
There is also the perspective that the less you mess with your teeth, the better. That may sound unscientific, but we have seen how easily teeth can be affected by bad decisions. Even taking certain medications can cause a number of dental problems. The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit situation is certainly gaining attention, and that isn’t surprising.
As TruLaw explains, it’s a drug used to treat opioid disorders, but it’s now been linked to severe tooth decay. To put it simply, the mouth is a particularly sensitive part of your body, and when things go wrong, it can be quite painful. Thus, think carefully before making any decisions.
How Do You Know If You Really Need to Have an Extraction Done?
If you’re feeling constant pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, that’s a pretty clear sign it’s time to see a dentist. The pain might be coming from impacted teeth that can’t break through the gums properly.
When wisdom teeth start to come in, they can also cause inflammation in your gums, so you might notice some swelling, tenderness, or even bleeding in the area. This can be a sign of infection or impaction, both of which may require extraction to prevent further complications.
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate pain, they can still have an impact on the alignment of your other teeth. As wisdom teeth try to find space to emerge, they can push against neighboring molars, leading to crowding.
This can undo years of orthodontic work or create new alignment problems. If you notice changes in your bite or shifting teeth, extraction may be the best preventive solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth extraction commonly uses local anesthesia, which makes the procedure painless. That said you might experience mild to moderate discomfort during recovery. The pain usually peaks within the first 24-48 hours but painkillers and aftercare help tide you over the postoperative effects.
2. How long is the recovery time for wisdom tooth removal?
Initial recovery takes about 3-5 days, with swelling and discomfort reducing significantly after the first 48 hours. It generally takes several weeks to see complete healing of your gums and bones.
3. Is wisdom removal a major surgery?
While wisdom teeth removal is considered routine oral surgery, it’s generally not classified as major surgery. However, the complexity can vary depending on factors like impaction or the position of the teeth. Most procedures are straightforward, but more complicated cases might require additional recovery time.
All things considered, the decision to extract wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with a dental professional, who can assess your individual situation. Whether you choose extraction or not, the most important factor is maintaining good oral health and seeking timely care to prevent future issues.
We know it can feel super stressful because everything you read about wisdom teeth removal can be scary. Take the time to do your research, but stay rational and understand that this is something that millions of people have gone through and come out just fine.
