Wisdom teeth removal may feel like a rite of passage into adulthood. We often recommend extraction, because these third molars have the potential to cause problems. But is removal truly inevitable for everyone?
At K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group in Washington, DC, our team can answer that question, which isn’t a simple yes or no. And here’s why.
Wisdom teeth are your last set of molars and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Historically, our ancestors needed these extra teeth to chew tough foods like roots and raw meat.
But modern diets and smaller jaw sizes have made these teeth less necessary. As a result, many of our patients experience complications when their wisdom teeth try to erupt.
Here are some of the key reasons wisdom teeth removal might be necessary:
When you don’t have enough room in your jaw, your wisdom teeth can become trapped under the gums or grow at odd angles, leading to pain and infection.
If your mouth doesn’t have enough space for an extra set of molars, your wisdom teeth can push against your existing teeth and disrupt alignment.
Since your wisdom teeth are at the back of your mouth, they are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay, gum disease, and infections.
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts, which may damage your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Not everyone requires wisdom teeth extraction. If your wisdom teeth emerge correctly, align well with existing teeth, and don’t cause pain or infections, you might not need to have them removed.
Some factors that might mean you can keep your wisdom teeth include:
If your jaw has enough room, your wisdom teeth should emerge normally without complications.
If your wisdom teeth are properly aligned and don’t interfere with chewing or any of your other teeth, there’s no need to have them removed.
If you can effectively clean and maintain your wisdom teeth without issues, we most likely won’t recommend extraction.
Maintain your regular dental checkups so we can assess their growth and potential impact on your oral health. If you don’t have any signs of impaction, infection, or crowding, you might be able to keep your wisdom teeth without any issues.
The bottom line: Is wisdom teeth removal common? Yes. But does that mean it’s for everyone? No.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing problems, you most likely don’t need to have them extracted. But we recommend that you come in for a consultation and evaluation so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
Call us today to book an appointment at our Washington, DC, office.
