Does Everyone Need To Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the human mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and most people have four wisdom teeth – two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. However, some people may have fewer or more wisdom teeth.
Why are wisdom teeth often removed?
Wisdom teeth are often removed because they can cause a number of dental problems. One common issue is that the jaws of most people are not large enough to accommodate the emergence of wisdom teeth. As a result, these teeth may become impacted, meaning they are unable to emerge properly and may grow at an angle or partially emerge.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. In some cases, they may also lead to cysts or tumors. For these reasons, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed before they cause any problems.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. In fact, some people may have enough space in their jaw to accommodate the emergence of their wisdom teeth without any problems. Additionally, if a person's wisdom teeth have already emerged and are healthy, there may be no need to remove them.
However, it's important to note that wisdom teeth can cause problems at any time, even if they have not caused problems in the past. For this reason, dentists may recommend removing wisdom teeth as a preventative measure.
What is the process of removing wisdom teeth?
The process of removing wisdom teeth can vary depending on a number of factors, including the position of the teeth and the patient's overall health. In many cases, the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the teeth. For more complex cases or for patients who are particularly anxious, sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended.
Once the patient is numb or sedated, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, they may need to be broken into smaller pieces before they can be removed. After the teeth have been removed, the incision will be closed with stitches and the patient will be given instructions for post-operative care.
What are the risks of removing wisdom teeth?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with removing wisdom teeth. These can include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth, nerves, or sinuses. However, these risks are generally low and can be minimized by choosing an experienced and qualified dentist or oral surgeon.
Conclusion
In summary, while not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, many dentists recommend removal as a preventative measure to avoid potential problems. The process of removing wisdom teeth can be relatively straightforward, but it's important to choose an experienced and qualified dental professional to minimize the risk of complications.
