Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth: An In-depth Analysis
Ever wondered about the purpose of those four extra teeth lurking in the back of your mouth? Commonly known as wisdom teeth, these dental latecomers are often seen as troublemakers, and many get them extracted.
However, did you know that keeping your wisdom teeth might have several benefits?
Let’s explore.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars most people get in their late teens or early twenties.
Named ‘wisdom’ teeth, as they come through at a more mature age, they are often misaligned and require removal.
Benefits of wisdom teeth
Functionality
One of the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth is functionality. If healthy and properly aligned, wisdom teeth can be valuable assets to the mouth, aiding in chewing and grinding food like other teeth.
Natural structure
Keeping your wisdom teeth maintains the natural structure of your jaw, preventing other teeth from shifting. Preserving this harmony can prevent future dental issues.
Longevity
Furthermore, wisdom teeth are robust and have a long lifespan, potentially providing a solid backup if your other teeth get worn out or damaged.
Understanding wisdom teeth extraction
Reasons for extraction
Despite these benefits, wisdom teeth are often removed due to misalignment, decay, or insufficient space in the mouth, which can cause various problems.
Risks of extraction
However, extraction has its risks. Potential complications include:
- Nerve damage
- Dry socket
- Damage to nearby teeth
Functionality of wisdom teeth
Let’s dive deeper into the functionalities of wisdom teeth. Beyond chewing and grinding, they may also play a role in speech, particularly when pronouncing certain sounds.
Natural structure: A reason to keep wisdom teeth
Properly aligned wisdom teeth contribute significantly to maintaining the natural structure of your mouth. Each tooth plays a role in keeping adjacent teeth in their position. When wisdom teeth are removed, it could disturb this equilibrium and cause other teeth to shift.
This shift is more than an aesthetic issue. Misaligned teeth, or malocclusion, can lead to difficulty cleaning certain areas, leading to decay. It may also cause improper bite and jaw joint disorders.
Moreover, the empty socket from a removed wisdom tooth can cause bone loss over time due to a lack of chewing stimulus, potentially leading to structural changes in the mouth and face.
Thus, retaining wisdom teeth can prevent these potential issues, maintaining the natural structure of your dental anatomy. However, considering your unique oral health situation, this decision should be made with your dentist.
Longevity of wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are built to last, providing an additional line of defense for your oral health. This long-term benefit is another reason people prefer to keep their wisdom teeth.
Potential problems with wisdom teeth
- Overcrowding. Despite these benefits, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, pain, and discomfort. In these cases, removal might be necessary.
- Pain & discomfort. Wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort, particularly if impacted or infected.
- Infection. An impacted wisdom tooth can create pockets where bacteria grow, leading to infection and other serious dental problems.
Wisdom teeth extraction: A close look
Process of extraction
Extraction is a standard procedure often carried out under local or general anesthesia. It usually involves making an incision in the gum to remove the tooth and then suturing the area to promote healing.
Recovery
Following your dentist’s advice, post-extraction is essential to ensure a smooth recovery. This usually involves resting, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.
The risks of wisdom teeth extraction
- Damage to nearby teeth. One risk of extraction is damage to nearby teeth. This can occur if the teeth are closely packed or difficult to extract.
- Nerve damage. Nerve damage is another potential risk, mainly if the wisdom teeth are deeply rooted. This can lead to a numbing in the lower lip, tongue, or chin.
- Dry socket. A dry socket is a painful condition that can occur if the blood clot that forms after extraction is dislodged or dissolves. It exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing discomfort and delaying healing.
To extract or not: making the decision
Consult with a dentist
The decision to keep or extract your wisdom teeth should always be made in consult with a dentist. They can assess your wisdom teeth’s position, health, and impact on your overall dental health.
Personal circumstances
Your circumstances and oral health condition are also important factors. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing problems, you might choose to keep them.
FAQs
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth. Some people have one or two, some have all four, while others have none. It’s a genetic trait.
Can wisdom teeth cause headaches?
Yes, if wisdom teeth are impacted and cause pressure on other teeth, it can lead to headaches.
How long does recovery from wisdom teeth extraction take?
Typically, it takes a few days to a week. However, it might take longer for the site to heal fully.
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
You should not feel pain during the procedure as anesthesia is used. There may be some post-surgery discomfort, but it can be managed with medication.
Can wisdom teeth grow back after extraction?
No, once wisdom teeth have been removed, they do not grow back.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth, just like any other teeth, have their benefits. They can help in chewing, contribute to speech, and maintain the natural structure of your jaw.
However, they can also cause problems like overcrowding, pain, and infection. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision.
Schedule a consultation with us today to evaluate the state of your wisdom teeth. Let’s discover together what’s best for your oral health and well-being.
Or:
- Call us at: 770-974-7188
- Email us at: drduncanoffice@comcast.net
Our office is conveniently located in Kennesaw, GA. We happily welcome patients from Marietta, Acworth, Woodstock, Fair Oaks, Northeast Cobb, Emerson, Cartersville, Dallas, and Powder Springs, GA.
