Should wisdom teeth be removed?

wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth is a global dental issue with serious consequences. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually come in between 17 and 25 years old. But, because of space issues in the mouth, many become impacted, leading to problems.

The American Dental Association suggests removing these teeth to avoid pain, infections, cysts, damage to other teeth, and tooth decay. So, wisdom teeth extraction might be needed to prevent these issues, not just an optional choice.

Wisdom teeth that grow at odd angles can let bacteria in, causing gum disease and infections. Dental surgery to remove wisdom teeth is often advised for young adults between 15 to 22 years old. It’s seen as a safer, easier option with quicker recovery.

Impacted wisdom teeth pose risks that often outweigh the temporary discomfort of removal. The importance of early action, especially for wisdom teeth pain relief, is clear when looking at these facts.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth come in between 17 to 25 years old. It’s key to check them often. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says young adults should get their third molars checked to avoid oral health problems.

There are many reasons to remove wisdom teeth. They can get stuck in three ways: angular, horizontal, and vertical. This can cause pain, swelling, and serious problems if not treated.

  1. Oral Hygiene Challenges: Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, leading to plaque and decay.
  2. Dental Shifting: Coming in wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of line.
  3. Complications from Impaction: Stuck wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, cysts, and tumors, needing surgery.
  4. Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth roots can hit the sinus, causing sinus problems.

Experts say removing wisdom teeth in the early to mid-teens is best. It’s easier to take them out then. Many choose to remove them early to avoid future problems and keep their mouth healthy. Oral surgeons, like those at Marose Family Dental, are trained to make the process safe and effective.

In summary, the risks of keeping wisdom teeth are big. They can make it hard to keep your mouth clean and lead to serious dental and sinus issues. Removing them early is a smart move for your dental health and overall well-being.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery and Management

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. Most people feel mild to moderate pain for the first 3-4 days. This pain can be managed with pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It’s key to follow the post-operative care instructions to heal smoothly and avoid complications.

Right after dental surgery wisdom teeth extraction, swelling and mouth opening issues are common. Using an ice pack can help reduce swelling and bruising, which may last up to two weeks. Also, gentle oral hygiene, like rinsing with salt water, helps prevent infections and ensures the site heals right.

There are some risks with dental surgery wisdom teeth removal, but they’re rare. Dry sockets can happen if the blood clot gets dislodged, and nerve damage is possible, affecting less than 1% of people. Socket infections occur in about 2% of cases but usually get better with treatment.

After surgery, it’s best to avoid alcohol for 5-7 days and tobacco for at least 3 days to aid healing. Avoiding strenuous activities right after surgery helps the healing process. Most swelling and discomfort peak in the first three days.

The wisdom teeth removal cost is something to consider. Removing fully erupted wisdom teeth costs about $720 on average. Removing four impacted wisdom teeth can cost around $3,120. These costs, along with the recovery process, make it important to talk to a dental professional about the procedure’s risks and benefits.

It’s also important to manage your expectations about recovery time. While some might recover in 3 days, others might take up to 2 weeks, especially if complications occur. Taking at least two days off work or school is often advised, with those in demanding jobs needing 3-4 days off.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common practice to prevent problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. Decisions about keeping or removing these teeth should be made with careful thought and discussion with a dentist.

Studies show that keeping impacted wisdom teeth can lead to issues like periodontitis. However, there’s no clear evidence that one approach is better than the other. This makes personalized care even more important. Costs, potential complications, and what matters to the patient should all be considered.

The choice to remove wisdom teeth should be based on a thorough evaluation of risks and benefits. Removing them is often easier when you’re younger, but health and symptoms play a big role. Talking to a trusted dentist helps patients make informed decisions for their dental health and well-being. Call Marose Family Dental in the La Fuente, CA area at (626) 654-3770 to schedule an appointment.

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