Can You Live With Your Wisdom Teeth?
St. George, UT
 The decision to extract wisdom teeth often arises due to potential complications they may cause, including impaction, infection, and overcrowding. However, not all wisdom teeth require removal, and some individuals may never even develop their wisdom teeth.
At Precision Dental Specialties, our dental professionals conduct comprehensive examinations, including dental cleanings and x-rays, to assess the health and status of your wisdom teeth to determine whether extraction is necessary or if you can go ahead and keep your wisdom teeth. If you are uncertain about your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment to come in and see us.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to emerge at the back of the mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. These last developing teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals have adequate space to accommodate these teeth, others may face challenges, prompting discussions about wisdom tooth extraction.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are several reasons why dentists may recommend wisdom teeth extraction. Some of the most common causes include:
Impaction
When wisdom teeth lack sufficient space to erupt properly, they can become impacted, leading to pain, swelling, infection, and potential damage to surrounding teeth. In severe cases, cysts may develop.
Alignment Issues and Overcrowding
Emerging wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, resulting in discomfort and alignment problems. Misaligned growth can also pose risks to dental health, potentially disrupting previous or current orthodontic treatments.
Prevention of Cavities and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth, particularly those partially erupted, are challenging to clean effectively. This increases the risk of bacterial buildup, plaque formation, and subsequent decay, including the development of periodontal disease.
Precautionary Measures
In some instances, wisdom teeth are preemptively extracted to mitigate potential future complications. Aging can complicate extraction procedures as the roots become more firmly anchored in the jawbone and the procedure can be more difficult to recover from.
Can You Live with Your Wisdom Teeth?
It is possible to keep your wisdom teeth and live with them without any problems, as long as they are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing any issues. However, not everyone's wisdom teeth meet these criteria. Some people experience problems such as impaction, infection, crowding, or difficulty cleaning them properly due to their position at the back of the mouth. In such cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted to prevent further complications.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any problems, our dentist may recommend monitoring them regularly to ensure they remain in good condition. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt intervention if necessary.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove wisdom teeth depends on individual circumstances and the advice of a dental professional.
Schedule an Appointment with Us!
Contact Precision Dental Specialties today if you have questions about your wisdom teeth. We will be happy to schedule you for an appointment so we can determine if you require wisdom tooth extraction.
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