Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically develop between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face problems such as pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom tooth removal is a common solution for these problems, but it may not always be necessary. In this article, we will explore the circumstances in which wisdom tooth extraction is necessary and when it may be appropriate to consider alternatives to wisdom tooth removal.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Here’s when a tooth extraction is the best treatment for a problematic wisdom tooth:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge, they become impacted, which means they are trapped below the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, and they may require removal to prevent further complications.
Infection
If a wisdom tooth partially emerges through the gum, bacteria can easily get trapped around the tooth and cause an infection. Symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, redness, and a bad taste or odour in the mouth. In this case, wisdom tooth extraction is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
Crowding
When there is not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they may push against other teeth, causing them to shift or become crowded. This can lead to bite problems and other dental issues, which may require the removal of wisdom teeth.
Cysts or Tumors
In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumours that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. In this case, the wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent further damage.
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When Can Alternatives Be Considered?
In certain scenarios, your orthodontist may recommend an alternative treatment form for dealing with a wisdom tooth.
Monitoring the Teeth
In some cases, wisdom teeth may not be causing any problems, but they are at risk of developing complications in the future. In this case, the dentist may recommend monitoring the teeth through regular dental exams and X-rays to catch any potential problems early.
Adjusting Orthodontic Treatment
If wisdom teeth are causing crowding or other orthodontic problems, the dentist may recommend adjusting the patient’s braces or aligners to make room for the teeth. This can sometimes alleviate the need for wisdom tooth extraction.
Partial Extraction
In some cases, only part of the wisdom tooth needs to be removed to alleviate the problem. For example, if a wisdom tooth is only partially impacted, the dentist may only remove the part that is causing the problem.
Non-Surgical Treatments
In cases of infection, the dentist may be able to treat the problem with antibiotics and deep cleaning of the affected area. This can sometimes prevent the need for wisdom tooth extraction.
Pain Management
Suppose a patient is experiencing pain from wisdom teeth. In that case, the dentist may recommend pain management techniques such as over-the-counter pain medication, warm saltwater rinses, and avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
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Final Thoughts
In summary, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary for impacted teeth, infection, crowding, or tumours. However, alternatives to wisdom tooth removal, such as monitoring the teeth, adjusting orthodontic treatment, partial extraction, non-surgical treatments, and pain management may be appropriate in special cases.
Ultimately, the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with a dentist. At Osmin Denture, our experienced dentists will evaluate your wisdom tooth and make a recommendation based on your specific circumstances.
Call us today via 647-294-3310 to speak with an experienced orthodontist.
