If you’re like most people, you want to steer clear of certain situations in life like surgery as much as possible. You may even avoid risky behavior that could lead to sickness or injury so that you don’t need to go through surgery. However, some situations are beyond your control, such as needing wisdom tooth extraction.
When you are told that your wisdom teeth need to come out, it’s only natural to question why and to wonder if they really do have to be extracted. Below you’ll find answers to your concerns.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Part of your confusion or hesitation could be that you don’t really understand what wisdom teeth are. Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that arrive in late teen years or early adulthood. Historically, people needed this extra set of teeth because oral hygiene was poor and because the usual diet back then consisted of rougher foods than now.
But do all wisdom teeth have to be extracted just because you don’t need them? No, that’s not why an oral surgeon may recommend removal.
When Wisdom Teeth Do Need to Be Removed
Many of those who need to have their wisdom teeth extracted simply don’t have room in their mouth to accommodate an extra set of molars. For some people, wisdom teeth are impacted or pressed closely against the other teeth, causing dental pain. In addition, the force from impaction can lead to teeth shifting, throwing off bite alignment.
Leaving wisdom teeth in your mouth under these circumstances can lead to trouble for your smile and oral health, which is why extraction becomes necessary.
It’s important to note that you may not experience any noticeable symptoms and still need the extraction procedure. Third molars usually arrive between the ages of 16 and 25, and dentists usually keep an eye out for these developing teeth through X-rays. They may refer the patient to an oral surgeon to determine if the extraction surgery needs to happen.
When Wisdom Teeth Don’t Need to Be Removed
While many people must undergo this procedure, there are some who don’t! If you have enough space in your arches for one to four wisdom teeth, then your dentist and oral surgeon will likely not recommend extraction.
If you’ve been told that your wisdom teeth must be taken out, you can certainly ask for the reasons behind the recommendation but know that extraction can help your smile stay healthy and pain free for the long term.
About the Practice
Although Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is a surgical practice, our team only recommends procedures that are necessary and in the patient’s best interest. Our board-certified oral surgeons are happy to clarify any questions or confusion patients have and make them comfortable throughout the entire process. Could you require wisdom tooth extraction? Contact our Reston office online or call for an consultation.