Should I Really Have to Get Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are a natural part of your dental development, but for many people, they can lead to discomfort and complications. If you’ve ever wondered, “Should wisdom teeth be extracted,” the answer depends on several factors, including your jaw structure and the way your wisdom teeth are growing.
Let’s explore more about whether wisdom teeth should be removed and why some people never need an extraction in the first place.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in your mouth. They typically appear in your late teens or early twenties. These are the eighth molars to erupt in each quadrant of your mouth, located at the very back.
Why do we have them?
Our ancestors, including monkeys and gorillas, have large molars to help them chew their coarse, fibrous diet. However, as we evolve, human diets have changed significantly over time, and we do not have to eat coarse, fibrous food anymore. We now eat softer, more processed foods, which means we don’t need large molars for grinding tough plants. As a result, our wisdom teeth have become the smallest of all our molars—even our jaws have evolved to be smaller too.
When Should You Extract Wisdom Teeth?
So, is wisdom teeth extraction really needed? That depends.
The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on the size of your jaw and how the teeth are positioned. Some people who have enough space in their jaws allow their wisdom teeth to grow straight (meaning grow through the jawbone and just enough through the gums) and be cleaned properly. In these cases, extraction may not be necessary.
However, for many people, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly. This can lead to problems such as:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: This happens when the teeth are trapped in the jawbone or growing at an angle. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 90% of people experience getting one impacted wisdom tooth.
- Partial eruption: This occurs when the wisdom tooth has broken through the bone but hasn’t fully come through the gum.
- Difficulty cleaning: If the tooth is hard to reach with a toothbrush, it can trap bacteria and cause infections.
If any of these issues occur, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction in Blackburn to prevent further complications. When you’re in Blackburn, VIC, and you’re looking for a dental practice that offers wisdom tooth extraction, consult with Whitehorse Dental.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Maybe you thought of just leaving your wisdom teeth behind, but leaving them in a problematic state can make everything worse for your oral and overall health.
Many people assume that their wisdom teeth are still growing when they feel pain or swelling every few months, especially when the tooth has not fully erupted on the surface of the gums. The reality is that the teeth have usually stopped growing, and the swelling and discomfort that’s felt are often caused by an infection of the gum overlying the wisdom tooth.
Wisdom Teeth as a Bacterial Trap
When wisdom teeth do not fully emerge, they create a pocket where food and bacteria can get trapped. Because these teeth are difficult to clean properly, they are prone to:
- Gum infections – Red, swollen, and painful gums.
- Tooth decay – Cavities forming in partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Throat or facial infections – If untreated, infections can spread beyond the mouth, sometimes on your throat or even your face.
In Australia, around 26% of adults have gotten their wisdom teeth extracted, and 85% of Australians may eventually need them in the future. If your wisdom teeth repeatedly cause you pain or infection, it’s likely that you will be recommended to remove your wisdom teeth to prevent serious complications.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, here’s what the process typically involves:
- Consultation and X-rays – Your dentist will assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if extraction is necessary. X-rays may be necessary as well for accuracy.
- Anaesthesia Options – You may receive local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
- Extraction Procedure – The dentist will remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces, if it is impacted.
- Recovery Period – Healing takes about 1-2 weeks. You’ll need to follow aftercare instructions to avoid complications like a dry socket or infection.
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Ultimately, wisdom teeth extraction depends on your individual dental anatomy. If your wisdom teeth are straight and easy to clean, you may not need to remove them. However, if they are causing pain, infections, or alignment issues, extraction could be the best option for you.
Always remember that if you’re unsure whether you need a wisdom teeth extraction or not, the best person you can come to is a professional dentist who is qualified, experienced, and skilled in handling these issues. Talk to our team at Whitehorse Dental. We provide thorough assessments to determine the best course of action, and keep you informed and educated on anything relating to your oral health.
Book an appointment today to find out if wisdom teeth extraction in Blackburn is right for you.
