Is It Necessary To Pull Out Wisdom Teeth? Everything Explained

The human body develops third molars, or wisdom teeth, as the final teeth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults have 32 teeth, but these teeth become problematic for many people as our jaws do not have much space to accommodate them. This may lead to impaction or other issues.  Wisdom teeth sometimes stay under the gums (impacted) or emerge partially, which creates spaces that are difficult to clean and prone to infection.

In this blog post, you will learn when pulling out wisdom teeth may be necessary, the benefits, wisdom teeth removal recovery, and when these teeth are best left untouched.

A] What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are called third molars and are present at the very back of the mouth. They are transitional structures from early human ancestors whose diet demanded more intense chewing to soften hard or raw plant foods such as roots, nuts, and leaves. 

 The development of cooking and food preparation methods reduced the need for these teeth over the centuries, reducing the jaw size.

Today, most people’s jaws cannot accommodate these third molars, which can cause serious issues such as impaction, which means the teeth become partly or fully stuck under the gums in the jawbone. They may also be out of alignment due to space constraints. 

These teeth cannot grow out rightly or at all and cause problems such as pain, overcrowding, and sometimes even infections. 

Since they are in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be tricky to clean and often cause cavities or gum diseases. Knowledge of the function of the wisdom teeth and the possible risks can help answer the question, “Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?”

B] When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

You may wonder, “Is it necessary to pull out wisdom teeth?” Many dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction in the following scenarios:

1. Pain Or Discomfort

Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort as they push through the gums. This pain may be due to pressure on adjacent teeth, nerve compression, or inflammation.

2. Risk Of Misalignment Or Overcrowding

Often, wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge properly, leading to crowding of other teeth. This can impact previous orthodontic work, causing teeth to shift and misalign.

3. Infections And Gum Disease

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create hard-to-reach areas that can trap food particles, leading to plaque and bacteria buildup. This can increase the risk of infections or even lead to the development of gum disease.  In this case, if you are wondering, “Is extraction of wisdom teeth necessary?” then the answer is yes; it may be required to avoid any further infection.

4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted teeth fail to emerge fully and remain stuck under the gum. This condition often causes cysts, damages neighbouring teeth, and leads to structural issues in the jaw.

If you’re facing wisdom teeth issues, visit our dental clinic in Andheri West, where our dental professional can determine if wisdom tooth removal is right for you.

C] Wisdom Teeth Removal Benefits

Removing wisdom teeth has several advantages, including:

1. Reduced Risk of Infection or Misalignment

The removal of wisdom teeth prevents overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth. It also lowers the risk of infection by eliminating hard-to-reach areas that trap bacteria and debris.

2. Pain and Discomfort Reduction

Another benefit of removing wisdom teeth is that it can relieve chronic pain caused by pressure on adjacent teeth and nerves.

3. Enhanced Oral Hygiene

Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their location. Extraction makes oral hygiene easier, helping to prevent plaque buildup and decay.

4. Teeth Damage Prevention

Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can pressure neighboring teeth, potentially leading to decay or damage. This raises the question: should wisdom teeth be removed? Removing them prevents these kinds of complications.

5. Dental Complexity Risk Mitigation

By removing wisdom teeth early, you avoid potential long-term complications that could require more complex dental treatments in the future. This preemptive approach can save time, money, and discomfort.

If you’re considering wisdom tooth removal in Andheri West, consult with our professional to explore the benefits and ensure your overall oral health.

D] Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

For those needing removal, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

1. Consultation

Your dentist or oral surgeon will take X-rays and examine them to assess the position and condition of the wisdom teeth.

2. Surgical Preparation

Depending on the complexity, the procedure may involve local or general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

3. Extraction

For impacted teeth, an incision may be made in the gum, and if necessary, small sections of bone may be removed to access the tooth. The tooth may be extracted whole or divided into sections for easier removal.

4. Post-removal Care

After extraction, patients are advised to rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, and follow a soft diet. Proper care is essential to prevent dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged.

By following post-operative guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and swift recovery.

E] When Can Wisdom Teeth Be Left Alone?

Do wisdom teeth need to be removed in all cases? Well, no. There are cases where wisdom teeth may not require removal:

1. Fully Grown And Properly Aligned Teeth

If the wisdom teeth emerge completely and are aligned with other teeth, they may not cause issues and can be left in place.

2. No Associated Pain Or Symptoms

Wisdom teeth that don’t cause discomfort or signs of infection generally don’t need to be removed.

3. Easy To Clean And Maintain

If they are positioned in a way that allows for easy cleaning and doesn’t obstruct other teeth, they may remain healthy without extraction.

Ultimately, a professional evaluation can help determine whether removal is necessary or if regular monitoring is sufficient.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal is often beneficial in preventing pain, infection, and future dental complications. However, there are cases where wisdom teeth may remain trouble-free and don’t require extraction. Consulting with a trusted dentist can clarify the best approach based on your unique dental needs. 

Visit a dental clinic to ensure your teeth and gums’ long-term health and stability. At The Braces Point, we offer comprehensive services, including dental surgical treatments in Andheri West, to help you maintain optimal oral health. Our expert team is here to assess your wisdom teeth and recommend the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation!