Is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth?

Is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?

The answer to this question is not definitively “yes” or “no”. In fact, the necessity of wisdom tooth extraction depends on the circumstances and situation of each individual. Here are some key factors that play a role in the decision to extract wisdom teeth:

Position and angle of wisdom tooth growth:

Impacted wisdom teeth: If the wisdom tooth does not fully emerge from the gum and remains within the jawbone, it is considered an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on adjacent teeth, cause infections, or damage the roots of neighboring teeth. In these cases, extracting the wisdom tooth is usually necessary.
Tilted wisdom teeth: If the wisdom tooth has fully emerged from the gum but is positioned at an improper angle, it can damage the tongue, gums, or adjacent teeth. In these cases, extracting the wisdom tooth may also be necessary.
Jaw and available space:
Small jaw: If your jaw does not have enough space for the wisdom tooth to fully erupt, it may not emerge completely or may put pressure on neighboring teeth. In this scenario, extracting the wisdom tooth is usually necessary.
Large jaw: If your jaw has sufficient space for the wisdom tooth to erupt fully and without any problems, there may not be a need to extract the wisdom tooth.

    Oral health and hygiene:

Healthy wisdom tooth: If the wisdom tooth is healthy and does not cause any pain, infection, or problems for the neighboring teeth, there may not be a need to extract it.
Decayed wisdom tooth: If the wisdom tooth is decayed or repeatedly infected, extracting it to prevent further complications may be necessary.

    Orthodontics:

Wisdom teeth and orthodontics: If the wisdom tooth is putting pressure on other teeth and causing them to become misaligned, extraction may be necessary for orthodontic treatment and straightening of the teeth.

The best way to determine the need for wisdom tooth extraction:

The best way to determine the need for wisdom tooth extraction is to see a dentist for an examination and x-rays. The dentist can evaluate the wisdom tooth’s position, angle of growth, available space in your jaw, and the overall health of your mouth to make the best decision. Some key points about wisdom tooth extraction:

– Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient surgical procedure usually done under local anesthesia.
– After extraction, you may experience some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding that can be managed with prescribed medication.
– You should avoid tobacco, hard/chewy foods, and strenuous exercise after wisdom tooth removal.

Reasons for impacted wisdom teeth:

Small jaw: If your jaw doesn’t have enough space for the wisdom teeth to fully erupt, they may remain trapped under the gums.
– Improper growth: Defects in the eruption path can cause wisdom teeth to become stuck under the gums.
– Improper angle: The angle of wisdom tooth growth can prevent them from fully emerging through the gums.

Complications of impacted wisdom teeth:

– Pain and infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can repeatedly become painful and infected.
– Damage to adjacent teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can harm the roots of nearby teeth.
– Cysts and tumors: Rarely, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jaw.

Surgical procedures for impacted wisdom teeth:

– Simple extraction: The entire wisdom tooth is removed from the gum and bone.
– Surgical extraction: The gum is cut open first, then the wisdom tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces and removed.

Choosing the procedure: The surgical approach depends on factors like tooth position, skill of the dentist, and the patient’s health.

Care after wisdom tooth surgery:

Prescription medication: Take the medications prescribed by your dentist on time and as directed.

Pain control: To control pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Cold compress: You can use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Mouth rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Soft foods: Eat soft, chewable foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.

Avoid tobacco: Tobacco use can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

Physical activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity.

Dental follow-up: Follow your dentist’s instructions to visit the dental clinic for examination and monitoring of the healing process.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after wisdom tooth surgery, contact the Dentaland dental clinic as soon as possible.

Notes:
– Before wisdom tooth surgery, be sure to discuss your medical history and medications with your dentist.
– If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your dentist before the wisdom tooth surgery.
– If you have anxiety or fear about the wisdom tooth surgery, you can request sedatives from your dentist.

I hope these explanations have been helpful.

Question: Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
Answer: During the wisdom tooth extraction, you will not feel any pain due to the local anesthesia. After the extraction, you may experience some mild discomfort that can be managed with pain medication.