Why Some Experts Now Say Not to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth have traditionally always been extracted as a preventive measure in dentistry. However, recent advances in research and shifting professional perspectives have raised doubts about this traditional approach. Experts now advocate for a more careful approach, claiming that not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. In this blog post, we’ll look at the factors that led to this shift and why some experts say not to remove your wisdom teeth.

First, let’s explore the nature of these teeth and their significance to our oral health.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as the final set of molars, start giving trouble between the ages of 17 and 25. For our ancestors, these teeth were helpful for chewing tough, gritty meals. Thanks to the advancement in science, well-cared diets, and oral hygiene, in today’s world, they are not vital to overall dental health anymore. According to new research, some people benefit from having wisdom teeth. Some research suggests that keeping your wisdom teeth in place can help you chew more efficiently by facilitating the breakdown and digestion of food particles. In addition, wisdom teeth have the ability to support neighbouring teeth, which may stop the crowding and shifting that was previously believed to be unavoidable.

Benefits of keeping wisdom teeth

Maintaining a full set of natural teeth can improve chewing and promote your overall dental health. Below we have listed more potential advantages to not removing your wisdom teeth.

• Wisdom teeth help break down and chew your food better.
• Keeping all your natural teeth will help preserve the structure of your jaw. Natural teeth are always better than artificial replacements, so if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you any harm, they can remain functional and useful throughout your life.
• Wisdom teeth can serve as backup molars, helping to support chewing functions if you lose or damage your other teeth.
• Keeping your wisdom teeth will support the surrounding teeth, thereby increasing their strength and stability.
• By keeping your wisdom teeth healthy, you can also make other areas of your mouth less crowded, which will improve your overall dental hygiene.
• Having an extra set of molars will provide you more surface area to grind food while you eat. This provides you with an additional location to grind your teeth without damaging your current teeth or overtaxing your jaw muscles, which is especially beneficial if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth when you are under stress.
• Wisdom teeth help operate as a cavity preventive measure by providing additional protection around molars that are already formed and susceptible to decay from plaque buildup from poor brushing habits or dietary choices.
• Savings on expenses: Wisdom teeth removal can be expensive, especially if the procedure requires complex surgery or general anaesthesia. By keeping your wisdom teeth, you can save on the costs of extraction, post-operative care, and any potential complications that may arise.

What are the disadvantages of removing your wisdom teeth?

While there are many advantages of having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with dental surgery. Some of the common complications include:

• Dry socket: Dry socket is formed when a blood clot at the site where the wisdom tooth has been removed does not form, comes out, or dissolves before the wound has healed.

• Risk of infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Practicing good oral hygiene after the extraction and following your dentist’s post-surgery tips and advice can reduce the risk of an infection.
• Nerve damage: Although very rare, there is a mild possibility for the extractions to cause temporary or permanent harm to the nerves surrounding the wisdom tooth.

How to know when wisdom teeth need to be removed?

• Discomfort or Pain: If you experience severe discomfort, sensitivity, or pain, particularly when eating or brushing.
• Infection: A buildup of fluid surrounding the tooth or recurrent infections in the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth are indications that extraction may be required. 
• Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that are impacted are those that are unable to emerge normally because they are lodged in your gums or jawbone.
• Damage to neighbouring teeth or bone: Extraction is frequently advised if they are causing harm to neighbouring teeth or the surrounding bone. 
• Crowding or misalignment: You may need to have your wisdom teeth removed if they are causing your other teeth to move or crowd together. 
• Cleaning difficulty: Wisdom teeth that are challenging to clean. If not taken care of, it could lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 
• Sinus issues: Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, pressure, and congestion in the sinuses.

Can I keep my wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt?

Yes, you can keep your wisdom teeth as they are if they are not causing you any discomfort or pain. There are many benefits to leaving your wisdom teeth in place, especially if they are healthy, positioned correctly, and have enough space to erupt without causing any harm to nearby teeth. Regular X-rays and dental checkups will help keep an eye on their health and ensure there are no underlying dental issues. You can reach out to our Melton dentist, who will help evaluate your particular condition and provide you with advice on whether keeping your wisdom teeth is risk-free.

The best wisdom teeth extraction services in Melton 

Are you ready to say bye-bye to your troublesome wisdom teeth? We at Melton Dental offer personalised consultations as well as excellent wisdom teeth extraction services. Discover the expertise of our qualified Melton dentist as they guide you through the procedure with precision and care.Contact us today and say hello to pain-free dental care and embrace your dream smile with the best dentist in Melton South. Contact us right now to begin your path to a happier, healthier smile.