Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

One of the most common questions patients have about wisdom teeth is whether they need to be removed. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While some people may have enough space in their mouths to accommodate them without issue, others experience complications due to limited space or improper growth.

Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. If the wisdom teeth grow in properly and are easy to clean, they can remain. However, it’s more common for wisdom teeth to cause problems like infection or damage to adjacent teeth, making removal necessary.

When Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended when:

1. Impaction: Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they grow sideways or remain partially under the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infections.
2. Damage to Nearby Teeth: If a wisdom tooth grows too close to the second molar, it can create pressure and eventually damage it. Removal can prevent further harm to adjacent teeth.
3. Infections and Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean, making them prone to decay and gum infections. Bacteria and food particles can easily get trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth, leading to painful infections.
4. Cysts or Tumors: Rarely, wisdom teeth can be associated with cysts or tumors, which can damage the surrounding bone and teeth. Removing the tooth can prevent these complications from developing.

Dentists usually recommend evaluating wisdom teeth by a patient’s late teens, allowing early planning for extraction if necessary.

What Happens if Wisdom Teeth Are Left In?

Leaving wisdom teeth untreated can lead to several complications:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause chronic discomfort and sometimes acute pain. This can make it difficult to eat, speak, or go about daily activities comfortably.
2. Infections: Bacteria around impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, which may spread to surrounding areas. Infections from wisdom teeth can also contribute to abscesses, a serious infection that requires immediate treatment.
3. Cavities and Gum Disease: As wisdom teeth are harder to clean, they are more susceptible to decay. This can lead to cavities that may even spread to neighboring teeth, increasing the need for additional dental treatments.
4. Alignment Issues: If left in place, wisdom teeth may push against other teeth, causing them to shift. This can lead to bite issues, as well as possible future dental complications.
5. Halitosis (Bad Breath): Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food particles and bacteria around the gum tissue, leading to persistent bad breath, or halitosis. As bacteria break down trapped particles, they release foul-smelling compounds that can create ongoing bad breath. This type of halitosis often persists despite good oral hygiene practices because it’s challenging to fully clean around the wisdom teeth.

Why Is It Better to Remove Wisdom Teeth When the Patient Is Younger?

There are several benefits to having wisdom teeth removed in younger patients. These advantages come from both the body’s ability to heal more efficiently and the development of the teeth and jawbone at a younger age:

1. Easier Extraction: In younger patients, wisdom teeth roots are less fully developed, which often makes the procedure easier and less invasive. The surrounding bone is also more pliable, which can lead to smoother extractions.
2. Faster Healing: Younger bodies generally heal more quickly. Younger patients tend to recover from wisdom tooth extraction faster and experience fewer complications, like dry socket or infection.
3. Preventing Future Problems: Removing wisdom teeth before they cause issues can prevent a range of potential problems, such as damage to other teeth. Early extraction is a proactive approach, helping patients avoid the discomfort and complications that wisdom teeth can bring.
4. Reduced Risk of Complications: Older patients may have denser bones, making the extraction more challenging and increasing the risk of complications. Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that can impact healing and recovery.

Conclusion

At Fort York Dentist, our team of professionals is dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about wisdom teeth removal. Whether you’re considering removal for yourself or your child, we’re here to provide guidance and skilled care.