Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth, why remove.
Indeed, there are several reasons why wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often removed:
- Pain and Infection: Wisdom teeth can often cause pain and inflammation, especially when they are partially erupted or impacted (covered by gum or bone). This can lead to local infections known as pericoronitis. Extraction is a standard solution in these cases.
- Inclusion: When wisdom teeth are wholly enclosed under gum or bone, they can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and damage to nearby teeth. In these cases, extraction can prevent future problems.
- Cavities: Because of their location in the back of the mouth and their difficult access to dental hygiene, wisdom teeth often develop cavities. Extraction may be necessary since these cavities are usually challenging to treat with fillings.
- Nerve Involvement: Some wisdom teeth are close to the lower dental nerve. Before extraction, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed to assess the exact position of the tooth about surrounding structures and minimize the risk of nerve damage during extraction.
- Crowding and Malposition: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to erupt correctly, leading to dental crowding and displacement of nearby teeth. Extraction can prevent dental alignment problems.
In summary, the decision to remove wisdom teeth is based on assessing each patient's oral health and needs. The dental professional will consider the risks and benefits of each individual's situation before recommending extraction.
