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It’s a common misconception that all wisdom teeth must be removed. Some people live comfortably with their wisdom teeth. But there are some situations when removal isn’t just recommended but necessary.
Did you know that not everyone gets their wisdom teeth removed? Some people feel that wisdom teeth removal just isn’t something they want to do, and in some cases, this can be fine.
But there are some situations when it’s necessary to have these teeth taken out.
At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we provide wisdom tooth removal among other dental and periodontal treatments and surgeries. At our Campbell, California, clinic, we treat each patient based on their individual situation and help them determine if they need a procedure.
Our founder — Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD — as well as the other members or our team value our patients’ needs. That’s why we’re happy to let you know when and if wisdom tooth removal is necessary, a judgment that could change over time, depending on your specific situation.
Wisdom teeth removal: myths vs. facts
Having wisdom teeth removed sometimes sounds like an inevitable rite of passage. After all, the colloquial name for these extra molars connects to the fact that they usually grow in during the late teen years or early 20s.
This is around the time many people have their wisdom teeth removed, although some people don’t. This could be because wisdom teeth don’t create problems — or even appear — inside every mouth.
Some people have all four wisdom teeth that grow in fine while others may have only one or two that even exist in their mouth. As such, every patient’s experience is different.
Another prevalent myth about wisdom teeth is that, once they erupt, they must be removed immediately. This is untrue. Wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems for your oral health, and removing them doesn’t have any inherent benefits.
So, if you start to notice a newly erupted third molar, don’t worry — you may not need to get to the dentist right away.
How to know it’s necessary to remove your wisdom teeth
In some situations, though, wisdom tooth removal is necessary. We consider this on a case-by-case basis, weighing the severity of the situation against the procedure itself.
The removal of wisdom teeth is safe and well-practiced. And when you’re dealing with the symptoms below, it’s best to get treatment as soon as you can.
Your wisdom teeth can’t grow in or only partially grow in
If this is the case, your wisdom teeth probably need to be removed. Wisdom teeth that can’t erupt — either fully or partially — are called impacted wisdom teeth, and they may cause a number of problems for your mouth, such as damage to the tooth roots and bone structure, and even the development of cysts.
Your wisdom teeth become infected
It’s common for impacted wisdom teeth to become infected, especially because they’re difficult to keep clean. An infection will probably cause you pain and discomfort as well as have the potential to affect your entire mouth. In this case, we recommend removal.
Your wisdom teeth crowd your other teeth
If your wisdom teeth grow in a way that crowds your other teeth, you should consider removal. In this case, the growth of your wisdom teeth could affect your bite, which can make it harder to eat and affect your oral health. Wisdom teeth crowding can even affect the look of your smile.
Should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
Again, we consider this on a patient-by-patient basis. If your wisdom teeth have grown in fully, aren’t crowding your other teeth, and are easy to clean, you’re probably fine.
But if you’re experiencing any problems with them now, they’re likely to worsen if you choose not to remove them.
We’d be happy to take a closer look at your wisdom teeth and help you decide if removal is necessary. To make an appointment, just give us a call, or book online at our Campbell, California, office. We can’t wait to meet you.