Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? Why do human beings have wisdom teeth? Scientists believe that wisdom teeth are the evolutionary answer to consuming vegetables, roots and tubers, and raw meats. Wisdom teeth, classified as molars, are the set of teeth that usually grow during the late teens or between the ages of 17-20, known as the wisdom years. They can crowd the mouth, they may not be functional, and may even be problematic sometimes. Over time, people grow old, and the bones in the mouth become harder, thereby making it difficult to remove the wisdom teeth. Dentists do advise the patient to remove these teeth mainly to prevent a problem in the future even if there are no signs of common symptoms. Many people may not have a problem with their wisdom teeth, but often, the wisdom teeth do not grow properly due to insufficient space in the mouth. They might grow in crooked, grow in partially, crowd the other teeth, or never erupt from the gum at all. This can cause several oral health problems for young adults. Around the wisdom years, those teeth start coming in; dentists determine whether they're likely to cause a problem or not using an X-ray. When the wisdom teeth are causing a severe problem or negatively impacting oral health, they need to be removed by an oral surgeon or dentist by a process known as wisdom teeth extraction. Though it is natural to avoid surgical operation, sometimes it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth. Fortunately, there are common signs that signify tooth removal surgery is needed.

Common Causes of Wisdom Teeth Removal Impacted Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth are impacted in some cases and do not have space sufficient enough to emerge from the gums and develop properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can show these symptoms: Jaw pain Bad breath Swollen, tender or bleeding gums Difficulty opening the mouth Swelling or stiffness in the jaw Impacted wisdom teeth sometimes may not show any symptoms. However, the dentist may recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent and reduce future issues. Incorrect and Abnormal Growth Wisdom teeth, in some cases, grow in to take too much space in the mouth and cannot be straightened out with braces. When the mouth is already overcrowded, there is no exact procedure capable of fitting the teeth together. The only feasible option is to remove them. It is then that only a dentist can determine whether or not the teeth need to be removed. One or all of them might need to be extracted. Typically, there are 28 teeth in the mouth before wisdom teeth grow in to make 32 altogether. Insufficient space in the mouth to fit extra teeth can lead to discomfort and pain. Pain and Irritation Wisdom teeth can cause pain and aches as they grow in. It is advisable to visit a dentist for an exam and X-ray when a patient is experiencing pain or discomfort. This is to determine whether the wisdom teeth or another factor is causing the pain. The dentist will decide whether extraction is the best solution. Also, the pain might reduce, and no extraction is needed anymore. Formation of a Cyst Around the Tooth A cyst is formed when a sac next to the teeth is filled with fluid. It can destroy roots, bones, and surrounding structures if it goes untreated. It will later become severe, and turn into a tumor that will require additional surgery. Difficulty Eating Difficulty while eating might be your reason to have wisdom teeth taken out. When eating food, it can get stuck between the gums and the tops of the teeth. This later causes a problem if the back of the mouth is not properly cleaned when brushing. The attention of a dentist might be needed if there's difficulty while eating, and extraction might be the only solution. Inflamed Gums The wisdom teeth sometimes can create a flap of gum tissue that resides next to the tooth. The gum tissue is capable of trapping bacteria and small particles of food. The tissue around the teeth can become very hard and inflamed, thereby making it very hard to clean. This is known as pericoronitis. It can occur around the wisdom teeth beneath the gums. Sinus Issues Wisdom teeth are also capable of causing a variety of sinus problems which arise when teeth grow in on the upper jaw. They can push and rub against those sinuses mounting pressure on them. Although the problem might not occur frequently, wisdom teeth can lead to pressure, headaches, congestion, and sinus pain. Also, wisdom teeth can harm the cleaning surface where bacteria hide when they are not well-positioned.

The Procedure Involved in the Extraction The process of wisdom teeth extraction is performed by either an oral surgeon or dentist. The patient most of the time will have a local or general anesthetic. A general anesthetic usually requires little help after surgery. For wisdom teeth extraction, there are many sedation options. Depending on the number of teeth and severity of the case, extraction takes up to one hour or more. It is advisable to avoid blood thinners like aspirin before the surgery. There will also be aftercare instructions and prescription medication to ease the pain. Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Taken Out? Some people decide to live with wisdom teeth throughout their entire life. The truth is that removing any teeth is usually not recommended because there is a chance of shifting the teeth. If they are not causing a severe problem, then there is no need to remove them.