Should I take my wisdom teeth out? This is a question I get asked everyday from patients! The answer to that question depends on many factors. First and foremost is age. The younger the patient is, the easier the removal process and healing process will be. The second factor is location. If a tooth is really close to your nerve, it may be best not to remove it unless it becomes a problem. Lastly, your health is a factor. If a person is unhealthy, it may not be safe to extract a tooth.
Studies show that if you are over the age of 35, it is not recommended to get your wisdom teeth removed, unless you are experiencing pain. However, if a tooth looks like it will inevitably be a problem, it should be removed as soon as possible.
If you are under 35 and your wisdom teeth are covered by your gums, are hard to clean due to angulation, or have cavities, then you need to have them removed. These types of wisdom teeth are impossible to keep clean and eventually will cause problems and pain. They may develop large cavities or extreme bone loss causing pain and potential dental abscesses. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can negatively affect the teeth in front of them by causing bone loss or cavities. You wouldn’t want to lose a perfectly good tooth because you were too stubborn not to get your wisdom teeth out. You should always talk with your dentist or his referring oral surgeon regarding if they are recommended to be removed. Like any procedure, there are pros/cons and risks/ benefits.
Here are some photos of teeth that need to be extracted:
Here are some photos of teeth that DO NOT need to be extracted:
Now that you know some more information about why you should and should not remove your wisdom teeth, have this conversation with a dentist you trust.
BTW…. we take out wisdom teeth at Brito Family Dental 🙂