Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the very back of your mouth and are the final set of teeth to emerge. Their arrival is one that is often associated with pain and dismay since these teeth can be a source of problems for many people and are routinely removed.
Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth usually come in during young adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Problems with the molars are frequent since most jaws do not allow room for these four extra teeth to grow in. According to anthropologists, these teeth were a necessity for our prehistoric ancestors who relied on the teeth to help devour tough food when other teeth became worn down or fell out. At that time, humans had smaller heads and bigger jaws, which accommodated the third set of molars.
While our heads and jaws have changed and evolved over time and our need for wisdom teeth has diminished, the teeth continue to emerge, creating a real pain for modern man. About 35 percent of people will never grow their third set of molars, and some scientists predict that humans will eventually stop growing them. In the meantime, though, for those who do have wisdom teeth, it may help to know how problems with the teeth could arise and whether it may be necessary to have the teeth extracted.
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are starting to emerge or if you detect pain and swelling around a wisdom tooth, schedule a visit with your dentist. Your dentist will take x-rays to see if you have an infection or if your teeth are impacted due to little or no space for growth. Your dentist will probably recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed if:
- They are partially emerged through the gums. This makes cleaning extremely difficult and could cause a bacterial infection called pericoronitis.
- They have not erupted, which could mean that they are growing crooked and could damage other teeth.
- A cyst, or fluid-filled sac, develops around your unerupted wisdom tooth, which can damage surrounding tissue or bone.
If your dentist does not detect any problems with your wisdom teeth, he may still discuss the option of having them removed early on. Some dentists believe that the third molars are linked to a higher rate of chronic bacterial infection in the gums and should be removed even if no problems are present. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends having the teeth removed when you are younger and the jawbone is less dense and the root of wisdom teeth is not yet fully developed.
If you are concerned about the health of your wisdom teeth, check with your dentist to determine if they should be removed. Because the decision to remove wisdom teeth isn’t always clear, it is important to talk to your dentist or an oral surgeon about the position and health of your wisdom teeth and decide what is best for you.