Worried about your wisdom teeth, this is when you should consider having them removed

In recent years, it has become common practise, especially among young adults, to undergo oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth. This is often at the recommendation of one’s dentist. However, having wisdom teeth removed isn’t necessary for many people. Here are some factors to consider before making a decision.

Wisdom teeth

The third molars in the very back of your mouth are called wisdom teeth. For some people, these teeth grow out completely, are healthy and can be cleaned as part of daily oral hygiene rituals without pain or bleeding. According to the NHS, in such cases, there is hardly any reason to have them removed as

there's no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications.

However, there are some instances where removing the back molars is absolutely necessary.

• Damage to other teeth: The back molars, which are usually four (two on each side) can push other teeth around, resulting in pain and bite problems, WebMD states.
• Damage to gum: The location of the wisdom teeth makes them hard to see and clean. This, according to Mayo Clinic, makes them a good breeding place for bacteria that can cause gum disease and oral infection.
• Damage to jaw: Sometimes, wisdom teeth fail to emerge from the gums. They then become trapped within the jaw leading to the formation of cysts. Left untreated, cysts can damage the roots of other teeth as well as bone structure, per an article on Mayo Clinic.

When to have them removed

The above factors may present various symptoms that you should see your dentist about. Mayo Clinic outlines some of the signs that your wisdom teeth may be problematic; they include:

• Pain
• Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
• Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
• Tumours
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

If you take any of these concerns to your dentist, they will take into consideration the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to decide if you need your wisdom teeth removed, according to WebMD.

Sources used:

Mayo Clinic: Wisdom teeth removal: When is it necessary?

NHS: Wisdom tooth removal

WebMD: Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?