People generally remove wisdom teeth if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. According to the reference, there are no scientifically proven health benefits to removing wisdom teeth that aren't causing any issues. The procedure itself can be unpleasant and have potential side effects.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood. Since most jaws are already fully developed, there's often insufficient space for these teeth to emerge properly. This can lead to several complications:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gum line or bone because there isn't enough room for them to erupt fully.
- Pain and Discomfort: Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Infection: The area around a partially erupted wisdom tooth is difficult to clean, leading to bacterial buildup and infection (pericoronitis).
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth can push against adjacent molars, causing damage, crowding, or bite problems.
- Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, requiring removal.
- Orthodontic Issues: Wisdom teeth can contribute to crowding and shifting of teeth, undoing the results of orthodontic treatment.
When Removal Isn't Necessary
It's important to note that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and healthy, removal is generally not recommended, as indicated in the reference. Electing to remove symptom-free wisdom teeth has no proven benefits.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure, it's not without risks. Potential complications include:
- Pain and Swelling: Post-operative pain and swelling are common but can be managed with medication.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the extraction site, requiring antibiotics.
- Dry Socket: A painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, nerve damage can occur, leading to numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Damage to adjacent teeth or fillings can occur during the extraction process.
Summary
In conclusion, wisdom teeth are typically removed to address or prevent problems such as impaction, pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, cysts/tumors, or orthodontic issues. Elective removal of symptom-free wisdom teeth provides no health benefits and presents unnecessary risks, according to the reference.
