Is it Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Prevention or Cure

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the removal of wisdom teeth. The first tells you to not bother it till it bothers you. The second aims at preventive cure. However, given that most people would shudder at the thought of having their teeth pulled out of their jaws, the former mostly wins. It is extremely rare to find young people between the ages 17 and 25 who would take pains to have regular x rays to find out their future wisdom teeth issues.

Impacted

In this view, you should know that dentists and maxillofacial surgeons advice wisdom tooth extraction when it becomes “impacted”. The term refers to misaligned growth. Since we have evolved to have smaller jaws wisdom teeth are vestigial in that regard. Owing to lack of space they may try to grow slanted thereby pushing the neighbouring molar or dangerously close to it. Besides pain caused to the molar, a cyst may form in the empty space between where the supposed alignment should be and the head of the wisdom tooth. To add more trouble, collected food debris can supply infections. If unchecked, tumours can form. The excruciating pain an impacted wisdom tooth causes, extraction seems inevitable

Erupted

When the wisdom tooth grows partially it may still be covered with a layer of soft tissues over it. This covering makes it more vulnerable as a site of infections. Incomplete eruptions are more painful than impacted wisdom teeth. The pain may extend all over the mouth and neck and the patient may not be able to eat or speak properly. However, if one chooses to get extraction done, the involved risks should be taken into account.

Risks

1. Dry Socket: If the initial blood clot over the extracted site is lost, severe inflammation can occur. It is normally due to the sucking action of a straw or a cigarette. Also, if you rinse your mouth within 24 hours of the surgery the normal clotting process may be hindered.
2. Inflammation: Other inflammations can also happen post procedure. It is important to know if you are suffering from dry socket or any other swellings.  
3. Nerve Damage: If the tooth is not pulled out properly severe damage to facial nerves can take place. The patient may be affected with a variety of conditions later ranging from permanent numbness to speech problems.
4. Excessive bleeding: if you continue to bleed after 24 hours of the extraction you should consult your doctor. Loss of blood can lead to further complications.
5. You are also at a remote risk of jaw fracture and the opening of the sinus cavity through the upper gums.

One should not let fear and paranoia get better of oneself but carefully consider each risk factor and ask relevant question to the doctor before and after the surgery.

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