What if I Decide to Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

Has your dentist recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed? While no one enjoys having a surgical procedure, there are times when having something removed like one’s tonsils, appendix, or even wisdom teeth are the appropriate choice for living life with optimal health and comfort. If you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, it is important to know the many risks associated with wisdom tooth retention.

Keeping your wisdom teeth increases the risks for developing conditions like dental caries, oral infections, and periodontal disease. Additionally, the arrival of wisdom teeth contributes to orthodontic and occlusal problems. For example, many people experience unwanted and noticeable tooth movement after wisdom teeth arrive, which affects one’s occlusion, aesthetics, and oral health.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge during a person’s teenage years or early adulthood. Now that people can keep their first and second molars for a lifetime, third molars aren’t necessary so when they erupt, they cause noticeable crowding.

Furthermore, they come in long after the rest of one’s adult teeth are established. This means that anyone with healthy tooth alignment can develop orthodontic issues such as overlapped and crooked teeth.

Crowded and crooked teeth are more likely to develop dental caries because they are difficult to keep clean. Additionally, issues with performing proper oral hygiene around wisdom teeth lead to increased risks for periodontal disease.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Comfortable?

Wisdom teeth are removed through a surgical procedure called an “extraction.” When our practice removes wisdom teeth, we place a high priority on the comfort of our guests. Local anesthetics and prescription medication such as pain relievers and sedatives are used to maintain comfort throughout one’s treatment.

The days following wisdom teeth extractions, patients will need to manage swelling and post-operative discomfort by following our doctor’s recommendations. Recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction is relatively quick compared to many other types of procedures.

Call us today at Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery to reserve a consultation with our oral surgeon.