Why do we need to get our wisdom teeth pulled?!


Question:

Why do we need to get our wisdom teeth pulled?

i don't even feel my wisdom teeth, and if they did come, i don't know what the harm would be to leave them as is. if we were born with them, why do most ppl have to get them pulled? i'm scared and have to get mine extracted this summer!


Answers:

"Wisdom teeth" ideally should be removed unless it is clear that they will erupt completely and in line with their neighbors AND the person can reach them effectively with a toothbrush. 3rd molars can cause several issues that have been brought up by several answers. One is that if plaque remains on the tooth because its too far to reach, then it is at risk for dental caries (decay). A tooth that has erupted, but is severely tilted will often cause caries to form on the tooth in front of it as well as marked bone loss behind this same neighboring tooth. Wisdom teeth that are impacted (have not erupted and clearly have no intention of doing so) should be removed as they are a source of infection and again can affect the molars in front of them. These impacted 3rds often can lead to the crowding effect which can happen throughout the mouth. Partially impacted 3rds are often the worst. They can often cause a condition called pericornitis. This is usually cause by a foreign material ( popcorn etc. getting wedged between the gums and the erupting tooth, causing swelling and pain. Many of the conditions above can also cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and loss of the bone surrounding the wisdom tooth and its neighbors (localized periodontitis). Periodontitis has been linked to problems relating to pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer to name a few. Some people who have or are at risk for many different conditions - too many to list here - would be wise to minimize any source of periodontitis.

I have removed many fully erupted and partially impacted 3rd molars (I refer fully impacted one to an oral surgeon). In my experience the wisdom teeth that I deal with are usually easier to extract than most other teeth. The roots are usually smaller - more conical and fused. And although they are far in the back, extraction is usually easy (unless fully impacted of course). If you are seeing an oral surgeon or similar you will be likely be medicated and it will all be good. Dont listen to horror stories about lots of swelling and pain etc - everyone is differnt and most experiences are fine.

Well, I probably missed a thing or two in there since this was off the top of my head. From your question it sounds like your wisdom teeth are impacted and it has been determined that you don't have room for them. Most likely you should get them removed as your dentist knows what is best for your dental health. Good luck!!!




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