Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are teeth that usually appear in our late teens or early twenties – a period often associated with attaining ‘wisdom’. While most people have wisdom teeth, they don’t always pose a problem. However, many people will experience various complications with their wisdom teeth, prompting the need for removal.
The decision to extract your wisdom teeth isn’t just about eliminating today’s discomfort; it helps prevent future oral health issues. At Kid City Dental, we help patients explore the benefits of getting wisdom teeth removed. Here are a few of the benefits we often discuss:
Preventing Impaction and Crowding
Sometimes you hear about “impacted” wisdom teeth. When there’s not enough room in the mouth for these teeth to come through properly, these teeth often end up trapped in the jawbone or gums. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on surrounding teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned. This crowding can compromise your bite and appearance, and increase the need for orthodontic treatment.
Eliminating Pain and Discomfort
For some of our patients, the emergence of wisdom teeth is synonymous with discomfort. As these molars push through the gums, the areas can be sore or puffy. Removal of wisdom teeth generally alleviates this discomfort and contributes to a better quality of life and oral health. Nobody ever tells us they miss their wisdom teeth once they’re gone!
Reducing the Risk of Oral Disease
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings in the gums that can become magnets for bacteria, leading to infections. Moreover, the poor positioning of most wisdom teeth makes them hard to clean. This difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene around wisdom teeth increases the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and even more severe conditions like oral cysts or tumors. Extracting wisdom teeth dramatically lowers these risks and ensures a healthier environment for the rest of your mouth.
Protecting Adjacent Teeth
Wisdom teeth often threaten the health of the adjacent second molars by facilitating the spread of decay and gum disease. Their proximity to other teeth, combined with the challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene around them, can significantly compromise the health of neighboring teeth. Removal of problematic wisdom teeth can help reduce the need for more complex dental interventions in the future.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Removing wisdom teeth simplifies the daily task of maintaining good oral hygiene. Fewer hard-to-reach areas make brushing and flossing more effective, reducing plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Emerging research continues to link oral infections to systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So, every step you take to improve oral health contributes to overall wellness.
Preventing Orthodontic Issues
For patients who’ve had braces, the emergence of wisdom teeth can create risk after years of straightening treatments. In some cases, wisdom teeth may cause teeth to shift or overcrowd. The preventive extraction of wisdom teeth, especially recommended for teenagers or young adults who’ve undergone or are considering orthodontic treatment, can safeguard the investment in protecting that perfect smile.
Cost-Efficiency in the Long Run
Removing wisdom teeth is an investment that can save significant amounts of money over time. By preemptively addressing the many issues wisdom teeth can cause, you avoid the escalated costs associated with treating infections, orthodontic corrections, restorative procedures for damaged adjacent teeth, and more. Consider wisdom tooth extraction a proactive measure, an expenditure that buys peace of mind and wards off potential future dental and medical bills. In most cases, dental insurance helps significantly with these costs.
Peace of Mind
Don’t overlook the less tangible yet profoundly impactful benefit of getting wisdom teeth removed: Peace of mind. The persistent worry about when and if your wisdom teeth will cause problems can be unsettling. Their removal eliminates this uncertainty and allows you to focus on enjoying life without the future threat of wisdom tooth-related complications.
Kid City Dental Has Answers About Your Wisdom Teeth
In the grand scheme of dental health, removing wisdom teeth is not just about addressing current discomfort; it’s a strategic move to fend off potential health issues and help create a healthy mouth. While not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, the advantages are clear and compelling for many of our patients.
From safeguarding surrounding teeth and preventing crowding to averting costly and complex dental issues, the wisdom behind third molar removal stands strong. The Kid City Dental team can help you carefully consider the best strategies to maintain your oral health and overall well-being. Our goal is to help you keep your smile bright, healthy, and trouble-free for a lifetime!