Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed

May 01, 2014 at 2:51 PM

 

Many people are confused as to why it’s necessary for wisdom teeth to be removed when the teeth are not causin any pain or discomfort. Why should they be removed?

Here’s what the Mayo Clinic says about this:

Some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth if they don’t fully emerge or if they grow near the nerve of the lower jaw. Many dentists believe it’s better to remove wisdom teeth before the roots are fully formed, when someone is younger and more likely to recover faster from surgery. This is why some young adults have their wisdom teeth pulled before the teeth cause problems and become more firmly rooted in the jaw.

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience changes in the area of those teeth, such as:

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

Even though wisdom teeth may not be causing any problems now there is a high likelyhood they will down the road. Should that happen the consquences could be much more severe than if they are just removed early.