Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary? When Extraction Is Recommended

As a dentist, one of the most common questions I hear from my patients is, “Is wisdom tooth extraction really necessary?” My answer is that it depends. Wisdom tooth extraction is not always necessary, but many individuals with pain, infection, and impacted teeth, need it to prevent further complications. The final decision must be made after a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the patient’s needs and dental situation. In this article, we want to know when wisdom tooth extraction is required and when it can be avoided. If you are interested in this topic, join us until the end!

Issue	Extraction Needed	Extraction Not Needed
Pain and discomfort	Chronic pain and swelling can be a symptom of an infected wisdom tooth	Your wisdom teeth don’t cause discomfort and pain
Impacted wisdom tooth	Partially or fully trapped wisdom teeth can lead to severe problems	Your wisdom tooth has fully erupted and doesn’t cause misalignment
Crowded teeth	Your wisdom tooth causes shifting of the nearby teeth, creating an inharmonious smile	Your wisdom teeth don’t push against nearby teeth
Cysts and infection	Infection, gum disease, tooth decay around your wisdom tooth	Having healthy gums and no infection

When Removal Is Recommended — and When Monitoring May Be Enough

A dentist may recommend removing a wisdom tooth when it is causing problems now or is likely to. Common reasons include repeated infection around the tooth, decay that cannot reasonably be restored, damage or decay risk to the neighbouring tooth, gum disease around the tooth that cannot be cleaned properly, or a cyst or other problem found on examination or imaging.

Keeping a wisdom tooth may be reasonable when it is healthy, comfortably positioned, functional, and can be cleaned and checked properly. Being impacted on its own does not automatically mean a tooth must be removed, and a tooth that causes no symptoms is not automatically problem-free either — which is why the decision is individual rather than automatic. Monitoring means the teeth are checked at regular examinations, with imaging when appropriate, and the decision is revisited if pain, swelling, or gum problems appear.

The decision is made from your symptoms, a clinical examination, and imaging that shows the tooth’s position and roots. Your dentist weighs the benefit of removing the tooth against the risks of the procedure and the risks of leaving it, and explains the options before you decide. Our article on the consequences of ignoring wisdom teeth removal explains what can happen if a tooth that needs removal is left untreated.

What Happens If You Ignore or Postpone a Necessary Tooth Extraction 

Delaying or ignoring a necessary wisdom tooth extraction can lead to more serious problems. If you have noticed any signs of a problem related to your wisdom teeth, you should book a dental appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Here, we have mentioned the consequences of an untreated problematic wisdom tooth:

• Pain and Discomfort: Patients with a damaged, infected, or impacted wisdom tooth might experience severe and consistent pain and discomfort. This pain can cause chewing difficulties and speaking challenges.
• Risk of Infection: If a problematic wisdom tooth is left untreated, the risk of infection will be increased. According to the Healthline, patients with partially erupted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection, because the shape of the teeth makes decay more likely to happen. Additionally, the infection might affect surrounding areas, jawbone, gums, or other teeth. This issue must be taken seriously because it can lead to a life-threatening condition.
• Damage and Misalignment to Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can affect your nearby teeth, causing decay, cavities, and misalignment. This may lead to more expensive and complex treatments, such as root canal therapy.

For a fuller look at the risks of waiting, see the consequences of ignoring wisdom teeth removal.

Alternatives to Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is not always needed for all patients. Sometimes, we recommend alternative treatments to help them keep their oral health, manage symptoms, and reduce discomfort. There are several solutions available, Let’s check them out:

• Monitoring: During regular checkups, dentists assess wisdom tooth situations to ensure the patient doesn’t experience pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. X-rays also might be required. Regular checkups play a key role in catching the issues, such as infection, decay, and gum disease at an early stage.
• Prescribing Medications: Dentists usually prescribe medications for patients who are experiencing pain or discomfort. Painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can manage the symptoms. However, patients should consider that this is not a permanent solution and doesn’t address the underlying cause.
• Professional Dental Cleaning: Wisdom teeth are located in a hard-to-reach part of the mouth, making them challenging to clean properly. During professional cleanings, the dentist employs advanced techniques to brush and floss the teeth. It prevents bacteria accumulation, plaque buildup, and more serious issues, such as infection.
• Orthodontic treatment: Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and misalignment to your smile. In this situation, the dentist or orthodontist recommends using braces to make the patient’s smile harmonious and aligned again.

Take your first step towards a healthier life by getting a professional wisdom tooth extraction. Our team at Eagle Family Dental has years of experience and expertise, making the treatment process comfortable for patients. Additionally, flexible payment plans are also available to facilitate the payment process. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.

 

FAQs

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Your own dentist can advise you based on your situation.