Whether you're a teenager or young adult, you have most likely been faced with the decision of whether or not you need your wisdom teeth (or third molars) removed. You may have pondered various questions like, my wisdom teeth are not bothering me now so why should I remove them? They aren't impacted, so what's the problem? Will this really benefit me in the future?
Even if your third molars appear to be "problem free," it may still be in your best interest to remove them.
Watch the video above and hear what actual wisdom teeth patients have to say about their procedure.
Reasons to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
Based on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' list of top ten reasons to remove your wisdom teeth, you'll see that there is a lot more to consider than whether or not your third molars are currently causing you pain.
Ten - Difficult to keep clean
Wisdom teeth are given limited space to erupt, and it is very difficult to keep the surrounding gums clean. This may lead to infection and inflammation even if there are no apparent symptoms. Studies show once inflammation occurs, it becomes nearly impossible to remove and is likely to spread to surrounding areas.
Source: West River Dental
Nine - Preterm or low birth-weight infants
Research indicates oral inflammation resulting from wisdom teeth may correlate with preterm or low birth-weight infants.
Eight - Serve very little purpose
Once wisdom teeth do in fact erupt, they serve very little purpose and become more of a nuisance since they are difficult to keep clean.
Seven - Develop cysts and/or tumors
In certain cases, impacted wisdom teeth develop corresponding cysts and/or tumors that require extensive procedures to retain normal jaw function and appearance.
Six - Risk for complications increases with age
As you get older, the chance for complications to arise from removing wisdom teeth increases.
Five - Receding gum tissues, tooth loss, and bone deterioration
Inflammation and gum disease related to wisdom teeth may result in receding gum tissues, tooth loss, and deterioration of the jawbone.
Four - Crowding of Teeth
Since there is very limited space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt, surrounding teeth may become crowded and damaged. In the past, wisdom teeth were meant to replace the first molars after they fell out. However, modern dental medicine and cleanings allow molars to last much longer than they used to leaving very little room for wisdom teeth to emerge.
Source: Dental Guide Australia
Three - Infection may lead to different diseases
Even wisdom teeth which appear to be problem-free can lead to oral infection and inflammation. If such inflammation enters the bloodstream, research suggests it can contribute to the development and/or advancement of a wide range of diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Two - Best to remove wisdom teeth early
If it is determined wisdom teeth are unable to erupt correctly and cannot be maintained in a healthy state, it is best to remove them early. Studies show early wisdom teeth removal is associated with smooth and timely recoveries.
Source: Nishan Halim DMD
