Do I need to get my wisdom teeth pulled?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never experience issues with these late bloomers, others may find them more of a nuisance or even a source of significant discomfort.

Understanding when and why wisdom teeth need to be extracted can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Historically, wisdom teeth were useful to our ancestors who lost their teeth at a young age due to their diets and lack of dental care. They offered an extra molar to replace the teeth that inevitably fell out. 

Nowadays, with modern dental hygiene and preventive care, our teeth tend to last much longer, often rendering these third molars unnecessary and problematic due to a lack of space in our mouths.

Signs you may need your wisdom teeth removed

Pain and Irritation: As wisdom teeth begin to break through the gums, they can cause a significant amount of pain and irritation, particularly if they’re impacted—meaning they are not properly aligned or are unable to fully erupt through the gum line.

Overcrowding: If there isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate these extra teeth, they can push against your other teeth, causing misalignment and overcrowding. This can disrupt the alignment of your existing teeth and can be quite painful.

Impaction and Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or infections. These infections can cause pain and swelling in the gums and can affect your overall oral health. Sometimes, cysts can form that may damage the roots of adjacent teeth or destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

Difficulty Eating: If wisdom teeth grow at odd angles, they can make it difficult to chew food properly. This can lead to food particles getting stuck around the teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria and possibly leading to cavities or gum disease.

The extraction process

When extraction is deemed necessary, your dentist or an oral surgeon will typically perform the procedure. The complexity of the extraction varies depending on the position of the teeth and their developmental stage. The process generally involves local anesthesia, though sedation may be offered if multiple teeth are removed at once or if the situation is particularly complex.

Post-extraction care

Following the removal of wisdom teeth, it is vital to follow your dentist's care instructions. This will likely include managing swelling with ice packs, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days. Proper care ensures a quicker and smoother recovery and minimizes the risk of complications such as infection or dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed.

Deciding on extraction

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some individuals have enough room to accommodate these teeth without issues. Regular dental check-ups are essential; your dentist can monitor the growth and position of your wisdom teeth using X-rays and physical examinations to determine if extraction is the best course of action.

Understanding the reasons behind wisdom teeth extraction and recognizing the signs of potential problems can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are causing problems, consulting with your dentist is a crucial step towards addressing the issue effectively.