We get it, surgery is not something most people look forward to. This is why the removal of seemingly healthy wisdom teeth can be difficult for many people to understand. After all, if a patient isn’t experiencing any issues with their teeth, so why would they need surgery to remove them? We’ll explain why seemingly healthy teeth might need to be removed, and what can happen if you decide against wisdom teeth removal.
My Wisdom Teeth Feel Fine, Why Do You Want to Take Them Out?
When it comes to teeth, there is often more going on than meets the eye. Even if they feel OK, sometimes wisdom teeth could be impacted. This means the teeth can’t break through from your jaw into your mouth. This could be because they are growing at an angle, or your mouth could simply be too small to make room for your incoming wisdom teeth. In cases like this, wisdom teeth can cause damage to the adjoining teeth by rubbing up against them.
Another common reason for your dentist to recommend removing your wisdom teeth is to prevent potential issues such as:
- Misaligned bite.
- Sinus issues.
- Inflamed gums.
- Cavities
While it may not seem to make sense to remove healthy molars, in many cases it can prevent problems from developing down the road.
Why Not Just Wait and See if I Have a Problem with My Wisdom Teeth First?
Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth early on as a preventive measure because as you get older, the bones in your mouth get harder – making it more difficult to remove them later in life.
Another pro to removing wisdom teeth when a patient is younger is because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed yet, and the bone around the teeth is less dense. It’s also easier for younger people to heal and recover from the surgery.
That’s not to say you can’t have your wisdom teeth removed at a later age. However, you will be facing a higher risk for certain potential side effects, including:
- Fractured teeth.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Numbness.
- Minor loss of movement in the jaw.
In some serious cases, older patients may even develop cysts, which can cause permanent damage to teeth, nerves and bones.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. But if there’s a chance that your wisdom teeth may cause problems, it’s easier to have them taken out when you’re younger. If you would like to have your wisdom teeth evaluated, call us at 207-781-4216 to set up your appointment at Pine Tree Dental Care!