Does everybody get their wisdom teeth removed? This is a question that many people have, given the fact that wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems. This article explores the reasons why people may choose to have their wisdom teeth removed and the potential risks and benefits associated with this procedure. The goal is to provide readers with an understanding of the pros and cons of having one’s wisdom teeth removed, as well as what other options may be available.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are called “wisdom teeth” because it is believed that they appear at this time because people are wiser and better able to handle them. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, meaning they either come in partially or not at all, or they may grow in crooked or only partially erupt from the gum line. In most cases, wisdom teeth need to be removed due to overcrowding in the mouth.
What is the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth, usually appearing between the ages of 18 to 25. Although they don’t serve any significant purpose, their presence can cause problems for some people. Wisdom teeth can be beneficial if they erupt correctly and remain healthy, but they often cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, they can even lead to damage in other parts of the mouth.
The primary purpose of wisdom teeth is to help with chewing and grinding food. They are typically larger than other molars and are located at the very back of the mouth. They may also provide additional support for other teeth when there is an imbalance in bite force or when a person has missing or damaged teeth. However, most people have more than enough teeth to chew food without needing wisdom teeth.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may become impacted due to lack of space in the jaw or misalignment with other teeth. This causes them to become stuck under the gum line or even grow sideways into adjacent tissue or bone, leading to pain and inflammation. They may also cause overcrowding in your mouth which can lead to crookedness and overlapping of other teeth.
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly so they can monitor your wisdom teeth development for any potential issues. If it appears that any of your wisdom teeth will become impacted or cause problems with your bite, your dentist may recommend removing them as a preventative measure before they cause further damage.
How Do You Know if You Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 24. Knowing if you have wisdom teeth can be difficult, as they can be hard to see on x-rays and may not cause any pain until they are ready to erupt. However, there are some signs that may indicate their presence.
The most common way to tell if you have wisdom teeth is by looking in the mirror and feeling around your back molars. If you have four more molars than normal in your mouth, then it’s likely that you have wisdom teeth. It’s also possible to feel tenderness or swelling in the gums around this area if your wisdom teeth are starting to come through.
Another way to tell if you have wisdom teeth is through a dental examination. During a dental exam, your dentist will use x-rays to identify any third molars present in your mouth. They will also check for any irregularities in their development or position that may cause problems later on.
Finally, some people experience discomfort or pain when their wisdom teeth start coming through. This is usually due to the pressure placed on other teeth as the new tooth grows into place. If you experience soreness or pain around your back molars, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are developing and need attention from your dentist.
In summary, knowing whether or not you have wisdom teeth can be tricky, but there are some signs you can look out for when trying to figure out if they’re present in your mouth. If you experience discomfort or tenderness around your back molars or notice any extra molars present when looking in the mirror, this could indicate that you do indeed have wisdom teeth coming in. A dental examination and x-ray will help confirm this diagnosis and provide an accurate assessment of how they’re developing and whether any treatment is needed.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that are stuck in the jawbone or gums and are unable to fully erupt. They can cause crowding of the other teeth, gum discomfort, and infection. Common signs and symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, stiffness in the jaw, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth. In more severe cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to nearby teeth or lead to cyst formation. It is important to seek professional dental care if any of these symptoms occur.
Other symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include tenderness of the gums around the area where the tooth is trying to emerge, redness or swelling along the gum line, headaches or jaw pain that radiates from where the tooth is trying to erupt, and a bad taste in your mouth. In some cases, an infection can occur around an impacted wisdom tooth which can cause fever and swollen lymph nodes as well as difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause a range of issues for people who don’t have them removed. Failing to remove wisdom teeth can lead to a number of health risks, including overcrowding, misalignment, infection, cysts, and tumors.
One of the most common risks of not having wisdom teeth removed is overcrowding. When wisdom teeth emerge in an already crowded mouth, they can push other teeth out of alignment. This can lead to bite issues and cause pain when chewing or speaking. In some cases, overcrowding can even cause tooth decay or gum disease.
Infections are another major risk associated with failing to remove wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth become impacted—meaning they get stuck beneath the gums—bacteria can get trapped in the area around the tooth and cause an infection called pericoronitis. This infection causes inflammation and pain in the gums around the impacted tooth as well as bad breath and difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to eat or speak properly.
Cysts are another possible complication that can occur when wisdom teeth are not removed in a timely manner. Cysts form when fluid accumulates within a sac surrounding an impacted tooth. Left untreated, cysts can damage nearby teeth roots or bone tissue and may even require surgical removal if they become large enough.
Finally, failing to remove wisdom teeth may increase your risk of developing tumors in the area around them. Although these tumors are typically benign (non-cancerous), they can be painful and should be treated by a medical professional promptly if they develop.
In conclusion, it’s important to have your wisdom teeth evaluated regularly by your dentist so that any potential issues can be addressed promptly before more serious health complications arise due to their presence in your mouth.
Are There Alternatives to Removing Wisdom Teeth?
When wisdom teeth start to cause pain, the natural reaction is to remove them. But this isn’t the only option available. Depending on the situation, there are several alternatives that can be considered before a tooth extraction.
One option is to simply monitor the teeth and see if any problems develop. In some cases, wisdom teeth may not cause any issues and can be left in place without any problems. This can be done with regular dental checkups, as the dentist can monitor any changes in the tooth and take appropriate action if necessary.
Another alternative is to have a dental procedure called “shaving” performed on the wisdom teeth. This involves removing part of the crown of the tooth so that it does not cause discomfort or pain. In some cases, this procedure may be done in conjunction with antibiotics or other medications to help reduce inflammation and keep the area around the tooth healthy.
A third option is to have a process called “crown lengthening” done on one or more of your wisdom teeth. This involves surgically removing some of the bone around a tooth so that it does not protrude too far out of your mouth and cause irritation or pain.
Finally, for those who cannot have their wisdom teeth removed due to medical reasons, there are devices available which can be used to help support them and reduce discomfort caused by their presence. These devices are usually removable trays that fit over your teeth and provide additional support while allowing you to still enjoy normal activities like eating and speaking without too much difficulty.
So while wisdom teeth removal is often seen as the only solution for dealing with impacted or painful wisdom teeth, there are other alternatives that should be considered depending on your individual situation. By talking with a dentist about these options, you can make an informed decision about what is best for your oral health needs.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. In general, wisdom teeth removal will cost between $150 and $450 per tooth. However, if a patient needs multiple teeth removed or requires more complicated surgery, the price may be higher. Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost of wisdom teeth removal, but it is important to check with your insurance provider for details about your coverage.
It is also important to factor in additional costs such as pre-operative exams, x-rays, and post-operative visits. These can add up quickly and should be taken into account when budgeting for wisdom teeth removal. Additionally, some dental practices may charge extra for additional services such as sedation or antibiotics.
Overall, wisdom teeth removal is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that can help prevent future complications from impacted or infected teeth. The cost of removing these teeth can vary greatly depending on individual needs and circumstances, so it is important to speak with your dentist about all possible costs before scheduling the procedure.
What to Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience, but knowing what to expect before, during and after the procedure can help put your mind at ease. Wisdom teeth extractions are generally quick and easy procedures, so there is no need to stress. Here is what you can expect when having your wisdom teeth removed.
Before the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will take x-rays of your mouth to determine the exact position of your wisdom teeth. This helps them plan the best approach for removing the tooth. Depending on how impacted or difficult it will be to remove, they may opt for a simple extraction using forceps or a surgical extraction which involves opening up the gum tissue and/or removing some of the bone surrounding the tooth.
During an extraction, you will receive local anesthetic that numbs the area around the tooth so you don’t feel any pain. The dentist or oral surgeon may also use sedatives such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or conscious sedation if needed. Once you are comfortably numb, they will begin extracting the tooth with forceps or other instruments depending on how difficult it is to remove.
After the extraction, gauze may be placed over the area to help stop any bleeding and control swelling. You may also be given antibiotics if there was infection present prior to surgery or if there is a risk of infection due to having multiple extractions in one visit. You should plan for someone else to drive you home after surgery as it is not safe for you to drive while under sedation or local anesthesia.
It’s important that you follow all post-operative instructions from your dentist or surgeon closely in order for your mouth to heal properly after an extraction and prevent any complications from arising such as dry socket or infection. This includes eating soft foods such as yogurt and mashed potatoes, avoiding drinking through straws as well as avoiding smoking and brushing near extraction sites for at least 48 hours after surgery.
Conclusion
The decision to remove wisdom teeth will vary on a case-by-case basis, and should be discussed with your dentist or oral surgeon. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of removal, as well as to ensure that the procedure is done by a qualified professional. Ultimately, it is up to you and your dentist or oral surgeon to decide if getting your wisdom teeth removed is the right option.
While wisdom teeth removal can help protect against potential future problems, it should not be undertaken lightly. The procedure can be expensive and carry certain risks, so it is important to consider all of the potential outcomes before making a decision.
In summary, while there are certain benefits to removing wisdom teeth, whether or not you should get them removed depends on your individual situation. It is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon about the risks and benefits associated with removing your wisdom teeth before deciding whether or not it is the right option for you.