What You Need To Know About Removing Wisdom Teeth: The Pros & Cons
Wisdom teeth are a source of anxiety for many, as they often come in at an awkward angle and may need to be removed. Removing wisdom teeth can have both positive and negative consequences, so it’s important to understand the risks and benefits before making any decisions. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know about removing wisdom teeth – the pros and cons of such an action. We will explore the potential complications that could arise from such a procedure, as well as all of the possible benefits. By understanding both sides of the story, you can make an informed decision about whether or not wisdom tooth removal is right for you.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They’re called wisdom teeth because they’re supposed to come in when you’re old enough to be wise. However, for many people, these teeth can cause more problems than they’re worth.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. However, it’s not uncommon for people to have fewer or even more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
Crowding: Because wisdom teeth are larger than other molars, they can crowd other teeth and cause them to become crooked or misaligned.
Infection: If wisdom teeth aren’t properly cared for, they can become infected. This can lead to pain, swelling, and other issues.
Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form around wisdom teeth. If left untreated, cysts can damage nearby bones and tooth roots.
Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
For these reasons, many dentists recommend having wisdom teeth removed before they cause any problems
The Pros of Removing Wisdom Teeth
There are many benefits to having your wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth removal can improve oral health, increase comfort, and make it easier to keep your mouth clean. Here are some of the pros of removing wisdom teeth:
1. Improved Oral Health
Wisdom teeth can crowd your mouth and cause problems with your bite. They can also trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth can help improve your oral health by giving you more space in your mouth and making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
2. Increased Comfort
Wisdom teeth can be painful as they come in or if they become impacted (stuck under the gum line). Removing wisdom teeth can relieve this pain and increase your overall comfort.
3. Easier Mouth hygiene
Wisdom teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. This can lead to plaque buildup and an increased risk for cavities and gum disease. Having your wisdom teeth removed will make it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
The Cons of Removing Wisdom Teeth
There are a few cons to removing wisdom teeth, which include:
1. There is potential for complications during surgery, such as damage to the surrounding teeth, nerve damage, or infection.
2. Recovery from surgery can be uncomfortable and may take several days.
3. There is a small risk of permanent numbness in the lips or tongue if a nerve is damaged during surgery.
4. Wisdom teeth removal is typically not covered by insurance, so there may be out-of-pocket costs involved.
5. Removing wisdom teeth may cause the remaining teeth to shift, leading to a misaligned bite.
6. If the wisdom teeth are not impacted, removing them is unnecessary and can waste money and time.
The Removal Process
Wisdom teeth removal is a common and safe procedure that is performed by oral surgeons. The removal process is typically quick and easy, and most people experience little to no discomfort afterwards. However, there are some risks involved with any surgery, so it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist or oral surgeon before making a decision.
The first step in the removal process is to numb the area around the wisdom tooth with local anesthesia. This will help ensure that you feel no pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth. Next, they will use special tools to remove the tooth. Finally, they will close up the incision with stitches and place a gauze pad over it to help control bleeding.
The entire removal process usually takes less than an hour, and you should be able to go home soon afterwards. However, it is important to rest and take it easy for the next few days as your mouth heals. You may also need to take pain medication for a few days as well. It is also important to keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or crunchy foods until your mouth has healed completely.
Alternatives to Wisdom Tooth Removal
There are a few alternatives to wisdom tooth removal that your dentist may suggest, depending on the severity of your case. These include:
-Dental bonding: This is a procedure in which your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to your tooth, essentially “bonding” it back into place. This is usually only an option for mild cases of wisdom teeth crowding.
-Dental appliances: In some cases, your dentist may recommend wearing braces or other dental appliances to help align your teeth and make room for your wisdom teeth. This is usually only recommended for teens or young adults who still have plenty of time for their teeth to shift into place.
-Extraction: In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend removing one or more wisdom teeth. This is typically done under local anesthesia and is considered a fairly simple procedure. Recovery times vary, but are typically pretty short.
-Orthodontic treatment: If your wisdom teeth are causing crowding, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment to help realign your teeth and make room for the wisdom teeth. This is usually recommended for teens or young adults, as it can take several months (or even years) for the treatment to be effective.
-Medication: In some cases, your dentist may recommend taking medication to help reduce inflammation or pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
Removing your wisdom teeth is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. While the pros of removal may outweigh the cons in certain cases, it’s important to consider all of your options before making any decisions and speak with your dentist about what’s best for you. With these tips, you should have everything you need to feel comfortable and knowledgeable when considering whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth.