Wisdom Teeth: To Pull Or Not To Pull
As your wisdom teeth come in, you may wonder several things: What are the reasons why you would need to have your wisdom teeth pulled? Is it always necessary? Can you avoid having this procedure done? Here are some things to consider as you are deciding whether or not to have them extracted.
Cavities
One common reason for having your wisdom teeth pulled is cavities. Because these teeth are so far back in your mouth, they are are often very hard to reach with a toothbrush, making them prone to cavities. If any of your wisdom teeth have cavities, your dentist may recommend that they be extracted, so that you do not end up needing multiple fillings in them.
Crowding
If your teeth are already crooked due to crowding, there simply may not be enough room in your mouth for these additional teeth. When your wisdom teeth come in, they can push against the other teeth, causing your other teeth to become more crooked, or very difficult to floss.
Impaction
Wisdom teeth can often become impacted. This happens when your other teeth block your wisdom teeth from growing correctly. Impaction can cause your wisdom teeth to grow in some strange directions, such as into the bone or the sinus cavity. If either of these things happen, it can be difficult for your wisdom teeth to be removed. Your dentist may recommend that your wisdom teeth com out as soon as possible so that the roots do not have time to continue growing.
Gaps
If you have a lot of space in your mouth, it can cause your teeth to have gaps in between them. Your wisdom teeth may actually be beneficial in closing these gaps. If there are no signs of the previously mentioned problems, your dentist may recommend that you keep one or more of your wisdom teeth in order to help manage this excess space in your mouth.
Previous Extractions
On a similar note, if you have had to have another tooth pulled, particularly another molar, a wisdom tooth may be able to erupt properly and fill in the space left by the missing tooth.
Getting your wisdom teeth is often considered to be a sign of growing up. However, having them pulled may or may not be necessary. Talk to a dentist at a clinic like Campus Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery about whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed due to cavities, crowding, impaction, gaps, or previous extractions.
