Wisdom teeth aren't always trouble: Dentist explains when to keep them
Dentist explains when wisdom teeth don't need to be removed (Photo: Magnific)
Removing wisdom teeth isn't necessary for everyone. If your third molars are healthy, properly aligned, and don't cause bite or hygiene problems, regular monitoring may be all that's needed, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth
Greater chewing power
Dentist and oral surgeon Dr. Alan Martinez Lopez explains that wisdom teeth are designed to grind and chew food just like your other teeth.
If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted, is properly aligned, makes contact with the opposing tooth, and is healthy, it can contribute to chewing.
Structural support
Every tooth plays a role in your mouth. When wisdom teeth erupt properly and fit comfortably alongside the rest of your teeth, they become part of your natural bite and jaw structure. Keeping them helps maintain that structure.
Avoiding surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction is generally safe and one of the most common oral surgeries. However, it can sometimes lead to complications, including:
- pain and swelling
- infection
- bleeding
- nerve injury
- complications related to anesthesia or sedation
"If you don’t need your wisdom teeth out, it’s not worth exposing yourself to the risk of the surgery. Don’t do it just to do it," the doctor said.
When you should keep your wisdom teeth
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and have fully erupted, there's usually no need to remove them. In general, they can be kept if they:
- have fully erupted in the correct position
- have enough space in the jaw
- don't cause pain or recurring infections
- don't damage neighboring teeth
The dentist also recommends thoroughly cleaning wisdom teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss if you keep them. Regular dental checkups are essential to make sure they remain healthy.
Because wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth, they're harder to clean and tend to collect more plaque and bacteria. This makes them more vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and infections.
Read also: Dentist exposes truth about toothpastes: How to choose right
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
