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Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teen to early adult years. Many people wonder whether it is necessary to remove these teeth, as they often do not cause any immediate problems. However, the decision to extract wisdom teeth ultimately depends on several factors that can vary from person to person.
Why and When Should I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?
Tooth Bank:
Have you ever considered keeping your wisdom teeth intact? It is a smart move to preserve these third molars for potential dental emergencies in the future. In case of damaged or decayed teeth,
orthodontic treatments such as braces and clear aligners
can utilise your wisdom teeth to replace them seamlessly and function as normal teeth - leaving no visible gaps!
This way, you won't have to go through any additional surgical procedures or suffer from an incomplete smile. So next time you contemplate extracting all four of those valuable third molars at once for preventive reasons, think twice and consider them a tooth bank- it could save your day someday.
Sufficient Space in Your Jaw:
Some people might worry about having not enough room in their mouths for all of their teeth. However, the good news is that sometimes there's plenty of space to fit them without any issues! Even if your wisdom teeth are hiding and hard to see, orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners can help move your teeth into a position where all your teeth can fit, including the wisdom teeth! So don't fret too much about overcrowding - with proper treatment, you can still keep all your chompers intact!
Surgical Risks:
Extracting wisdom teeth, much like any other surgical procedure, isn't risk free and presents several inherent risks to the patient. In addition to the associated pain and discomfort following surgery that is common with nearly all procedures, there are additional concerns specific to this type of extraction; these include potential bleeding complications during or after surgery.
Extracting wisdom teeth could lead to a potential danger of affecting the sensation in several areas, like gums, lips, tongue and chin as they are situated close to the major nerves providing sensation to these areas. The adverse effects could be either temporary or permanent such as numbness and tingling sensations. Few people may face a loss of taste perception after wisdom tooth surgery takes place, which is not so common but should still be taken seriously into account before proceeding with the procedure.
Recovery Time:
After getting your wisdom teeth extracted, you will need some time off for recovery. You may experience swelling and discomfort in the days following the procedure, so it's advisable to limit yourself to soft foods during this period. Post-extraction, it is also important to consider the potential consequences of stretching the corners of the mouth. This action can cause unsightly cracking or bruising of not only the lips but also other areas of the face.
Why and When Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
There are several reasons why it is advisable sometimes to undergo wisdom teeth extraction:
1.
Impeding Other Dental Treatments:
Wisdom teeth can sometimes impede dental treatments like braces by causing overcrowding of your teeth or requiring the removal of other permanent ones to make space for them. To avoid any hindrance in orthodontic treatment, extracting impacted wisdom teeth is often considered clinically beneficial.
2.
Prevent Dental Crowding:
Extra teeth at the back of your mouth tend to push adjacent ones forward, causing misalignment and leading to a bad bite. This has many associated health risks, not limited to: difficulty chewing properly contributing to headaches, chronic facial pain, etc.. Wisdom tooth extraction helps prevent such dental issues, letting all permanent choppers sit straight, and making sure everything looks aesthetically pleasing for optimal long-term oral health!
3.
Wisdom Teeth Impaction:
One of the reasons why it is recommended to remove wisdom teeth is because they are impacted, a condition in which they do not have enough space to properly emerge. If the impacted wisdom teeth emerge partially into the mouth and remain stuck, this may lead to decay of the tooth and also neighbouring teeth. It can also result in other complications such as entrapment or malposition, which could lead to discomfort and pain for the individual. As such, extracting these teeth becomes an urgent matter that must be attended to prevent further problems from developing.
4.
Cysts and Tumours:
There are potential complications that can arise with wisdom teeth such as the formation of cysts or tumours which may negatively affect nearby teeth, nerves and the jawbone. If this does occur, experts recommend removing both the growths and the wisdom tooth.
Cost of Extracting Wisdom Teeth
The costs for removing wisdom teeth can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number and position of teeth to be removed, anaesthesia needed etc. This procedure may come with a hefty price tag, especially if it isn't covered by dental insurance. In Singapore, Medisave can cover wisdom teeth extraction to some extent. The total cost varies based on several factors, including the degree of complexity for the extraction and whether or not sedation is chosen before surgery - which could be quite expensive. Thus, before making any decisions regarding tooth extraction, it's crucial to assess all potential costs associated with the procedure as they vary depending on individual circumstances.
All in all, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any decisions about wisdom teeth removal. Remember, not everyone needs to remove their wisdom teeth. Some people's wisdom teeth come in just fine and don't cause any problems. If you have any questions or worries about your wisdom teeth,
ask your dentist. They're there to help you have a healthy smile!
