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Wondering whether or not to take out your wisdom tooth? Well, extracting a tooth or a wisdom tooth is an important dental procedure that requires medical attention.
A wisdom tooth extraction procedure sometimes may require the administration of anaesthesia to numb the pain or to perform surgery. This is exactly what certain patients fear when it comes to wisdom teeth extraction.
While a medical procedure or a dental surgery such as wisdom tooth extraction could be a frightening experience or a very daunting experience for some, for others it could probably be a very simple thing and they might have the courage or the brave enough to go through the entire thing.
And if you are either of these people and you are contemplating removing your wisdom tooth and your answer about it here is a blog that will give you an understanding of the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth as well as removing them too.
This blog also covers topics on how to manage the pain and discomfort after removing your wisdom teeth!
Read on!
What are the Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Keeping your wisdom teeth can provide numerous benefits, both for yourself and for your overall oral health.
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25.
- They are important because they help to support the surrounding molars, providing them with additional stability and strength.
- Additionally, keeping your wisdom teeth can reduce overcrowding in other areas of the mouth, allowing more space to form between teeth which can promote better chewing ability and improved oral hygiene habits.
- Having an extra set of molars also means you will have an extra surface area available for grinding food while eating; this is especially beneficial if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when under stress as it provides an additional place to do so without damaging existing teeth or causing strain on the jaw muscles.
- Wisdom teeth may even act as a safeguard against cavities by providing additional protection around already established molars that are prone to decay due to plaque build-up from poor brushing habits or diet choices.
- Finally, leaving wisdom teeth in place helps maintain facial structure – something that can be compromised if those last four molars are removed prematurely or at all.
- This is because wisdom tooth removal requires cutting through bone tissue which then weakens one’s bite force over time and affects their ability to chew properly; this could lead to malocclusion (misaligned bite) down the line if not corrected with orthodontic treatment such as braces or retainers.
So, depending on the condition of your individual dental health, having your wisdom teeth may actually be preferable to opt for extraction surgery!
What are the Disadvantages of Keeping Wisdom Teeth?
The cons of keeping your wisdom teeth can be numerous and should not be overlooked.
- For starters, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth, which is a common problem among those who have chosen to keep their wisdom teeth.
- Overcrowding can lead to crookedness when it comes to the other adult teeth, as well as misalignment of the jaw itself.
- This situation can also make it difficult for individuals to properly clean their mouths due to a lack of space, leading to an increased risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
- Another con associated with keeping your wisdom teeth is that they are more likely than other adult teeth to develop issues such as cysts or tumours.
- These growths tend to form around these molars and can cause considerable pain and discomfort if left untreated. Furthermore, they may require surgery to remove them completely and this procedure can often be costly and invasive.
- Finally, another potential issue with having your wisdom teeth is that they could come in at an angle or become impacted under the gums over time.
- This means that one’s bite may become unbalanced due to uneven pressure being placed on different parts of the jawbone which could result in headaches or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- In extreme cases where this happens without proper treatment, it could lead to a range of serious oral health complications down the line so it's important for anyone considering keeping their wisdom teeth aware of all possible risks involved.
What if I Don't Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you have been wondering what should be done about your wisdom teeth, it is important to understand that not all people need their wisdom teeth removed. In fact, many people can keep their wisdom teeth without any issues.
However, if they are causing pain or crowding other teeth, then removal may be recommended. When considering this decision, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of keeping or removing these third molars.
If you opt to keep your wisdom teeth, regular visits to a dentist for evaluation and cleanings will be key to maintaining good oral health. During routine exams, your dentist will monitor any changes in the position of your wisdom tooth and the surrounding tissue.
Additionally, brushing and flossing twice daily will help prevent infection around the tooth and gum area as well as reduce decay on other adjacent teeth.
Despite taking preventive measures, there are still certain risks associated with keeping impacted or unerupted wisdom teeth such as an increased risk of infection (e.g., pericoronitis), cysts and tumours developing near the tooth, or damage to nearby healthy teeth due to overcrowding/misalignment caused by the presence of an extra set of molars in the mouth.
Ultimately, you and your dentist should discuss which option works best for you based on your individual needs - so don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Conclusion
It can be difficult to make a decision about whether or not to keep or remove your wisdom teeth, but it is important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a final decision.
You must consult with your dentist and do thorough research on both options to come to an informed conclusion that works best for you!
Additionally, if you opt for extraction surgery then make sure to follow any aftercare instructions given by your dentist to ensure a successful recovery.
Ultimately, taking the time to gain knowledge on potential risks associated with both keeping and removing wisdom teeth will help ensure that you are making the right choice when it comes to preserving your oral health.
