Wisdom teeth are back molars. They usually erupt from 17 to 24 years of age. Most people have four wisdom teeth. It is believed that our ancestors had a hard diet that needed wisdom teeth for proper chewing and digestion such as raw plants, meat, nuts, etc. However, the need is declining with changing food choices. If one has properly erupted wisdom teeth then it’s fine but if it’s half erupted, positioned incorrectly, or remains hidden( often leads to infection) then it’s time to go for wisdom teeth extraction. Here are a few cases in which wisdom tooth extraction becomes compulsory.
1. When Eruption is Incomplete
In situations where the wisdom teeth do not erupt through the gum properly, it needs to be extracted right away. The reason is that partially erupted wisdom teeth can’t be seen properly which makes cleaning difficult. Accumulation of food particles invites bacterial activity that can ultimately lead to oral infection or gum disease. It’s wise to get your wisdom teeth extracted before it gets too late.
2. When Wisdom Teeth remain Hidden
In some people, the wisdom teeth do not erupt at all and remain hidden within the gum. Apparently, it looks fine but deep down the wisdom tooth becomes trapped in your jawbone. This can often lead to the formation of cysts or oral infections and cause pain in the gums. In such a case, if the wisdom tooth is not removed, it will cause infection to other teeth roots or bone support. Then along with wisdom teeth extraction, getting a dental implant procedure becomes necessary.
3. When Positioned Incorrectly
Sometimes it happens that the surrounding teeth do not give enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt. In such a case a wisdom tooth may damage the nearby teeth upon incorrect position. Therefore, some doctors suggest removing wisdom teeth in advance before they cause any damage. They prefer the removal of wisdom teeth at a younger age when bones are not fully developed. Also, the recovery time is faster at a young age.
When You Should not Consider Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Doctors discourage wisdom teeth extraction in cases where the teeth are completely healthy, fully erupted, and there’s no issue in chewing food. In addition, if one can easily clean teeth and maintain standard oral hygiene then there’s no need to go for wisdom teeth extraction. Moreover, if your wisdom teeth are properly positioned, refrain from its extraction at all costs.
However, before making any decision make sure you consult your dentist and then go for anything advised by him. You should never get your wisdom tooth extracted just because you think it’s not grown properly. Your dentist can guide you well in this regard. It is therefore important to visit your dentist twice a year so he can rule out any ongoing dental issues and address them right away. In this way, you will be able to help fix the issue before it gets too late and flaunt your smile throughout.
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