Yes, you can keep your wisdom teeth if they are not negatively impacting your oral or overall health; in fact, it is best to keep them if they are healthy.
Wisdom Teeth Retention: When is it OK?
While dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal, it's not always necessary. The key consideration is whether they are causing problems or are likely to in the future. According to the provided reference, "it is best to keep wisdom teeth intact" when they are not negatively affecting your health.
Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Properly erupted and healthy wisdom teeth can offer certain advantages:
- Support in the back of the mouth: They can contribute to chewing function.
- Jaw Bone Maintenance: They help maintain bone density in the jaw.
When Wisdom Teeth Removal is Recommended
Removal is typically recommended when wisdom teeth are:
- Impacted: Trapped beneath the gums and bone.
- Crowding Other Teeth: Causing misalignment of existing teeth.
- Causing Pain or Infection: Resulting in discomfort or inflammation.
- Damaging Adjacent Teeth: Eroding or pressing against neighboring molars.
- Making it Difficult to Clean: Leading to decay or gum disease.
Factors to Consider
The decision to keep or remove wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with your dentist, who can assess your individual situation based on:
- X-ray Examination: To determine the position and angulation of your wisdom teeth.
- Clinical Examination: To check for any signs of infection, decay, or damage to adjacent teeth.
- Overall Oral Health: To evaluate the health of your gums and other teeth.
