Say Goodbye to Wisdom Teeth: The Pros and Cons of Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually start appearing in a person’s late teens or early twenties. While some people have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these extra teeth, others experience impacted wisdom teeth- when they don’t have enough space to erupt properly through the gums.
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend the extraction of your wisdom teeth, but is it always necessary? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of wisdom teeth extraction so that you can make an informed decision.
Pros:
1. Prevention of Crowding:
Having extra teeth in your mouth can lead to overcrowding, which causes other teeth to shift position and change your bite. Wisdom teeth are often the culprits behind this, due to their late eruption and the pressure they put on adjacent teeth as they try to break through the gums.
Extracting wisdom teeth can prevent overcrowding and save you from the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
2. Reduced Risk of Decay and Infections:
Wisdom teeth can be difficult to brush and floss properly, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Because wisdom teeth are challenging to access, they can become hotspots for bacterial build-up.
Extracting wisdom teeth can reduce the risk of cavities and infections, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Minimized Risk of Cysts:
An impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes form a cyst around the tooth root, damaging the surrounding bone and causing complications. Unfortunately, this can occur without any noticeable symptoms.
By extracting impacted wisdom teeth, you can minimize the risk of developing cysts that could cause long-term problems.
4. Easier Procedure at a Younger Age:
The wisdom teeth removal procedure becomes increasingly complex as you age since the roots of the teeth harden over time, making them more challenging to extract.
By having your wisdom teeth removed at a younger age, you can minimize the pain and discomfort of the procedure and have a quicker recovery time.
Cons:
1. Risk of Nerve Damage:
The roots of wisdom teeth are often close to the major nerves in your jaw, such as the trigeminal nerve. Damage to these nerves can lead to numbness, tingling, and other sensory abnormalities in the face and mouth.
If your wisdom teeth are in close proximity to your nerves, your dentist may advise against extraction to avoid possible nerve damage.
2. Surgical Risks:
Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient procedure, but it still carries inherent surgical risks, such as excessive bleeding, infection, and a prolonged healing period.
Your dentist will take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks and ensure a safe procedure, but it’s still vital to be aware of the potential complications.
3. Cost of the Procedure:
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves anesthesia and specialized equipment, which can translate to higher costs.
If your dental insurance doesn’t cover the procedure’s cost, you may need to pay out of pocket, which can add up to a significant expense.
4. Emotional Discomfort:
The thought of undergoing surgery to remove your wisdom teeth can be daunting for some people, leading to emotional discomfort and anxiety.
If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, your dentist can provide options such as sedation dentistry to help you relax and feel more comfortable.
Conclusion:
Wisdom teeth extraction is a personal decision that should be made after considering all your options. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, discomfort, or other complications, your dentist may recommend their removal.
However, if your wisdom teeth are healthy and aren’t causing any issues, extraction may not be necessary.
In summary, the pros of wisdom teeth extraction include the prevention of overcrowding, reduced risk of decay and infections, minimized risk of cysts, and easier procedure at a younger age. The cons include the risk of nerve damage, surgical risks, cost of the procedure, and emotional discomfort.
It’s essential to straight forwardly discuss your options with your dentist(s). Based on your specific case and overall dental goals, your dentist can help you make the most informed decision about your wisdom teeth.
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