Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some individuals have large dental arches that can comfortably accommodate three sets of molars, including wisdom teeth. These people are lucky enough to have their wisdom teeth grow in properly aligned and fully functional, meaning they can be used effectively for chewing and grinding food. Their wisdom teeth are also healthy, free from dental diseases like tooth decay or gum disease, and cause no discomfort or pain. Therefore, while many people have their wisdom teeth removed due to various issues, it's not a universal necessity.
Why are wisdom teeth sometimes removed even if they don’t hurt?
Many times there are no symptoms of wisdom tooth trouble. X-rays may show us that there is the potential for a serious problem, or that other teeth in your mouth are at risk for damage. Teeth that remain partially or completely entrapped within the soft tissue and /or the jawbone are termed “impacted.” Wisdom teeth are often impacted because the jaw is not big enough to accommodate them. These impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, erupt only partially into your mouth, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Bacteria and food can lodge under the flap of gum over the partially erupted tooth, causing infection. A cyst can form around the crown of the tooth and destroy the surrounding bone or neighboring teeth.
Because of their position, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and are often victims of decay and periodontal disease. At Brighton Healthy Smiles, if we see a potential problem, we may recommend removing the wisdom tooth, even before it is fully developed. Dentists believe that it is easier to remove wisdom teeth at an early stage. The procedure is less traumatic with a lower risk of complications. Later on, roots are fully formed and strongly planted in the jaw.
Call Brighton Healthy Smiles at (810) 227-6567 for an exam to see if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
