The arrival of wisdom teeth is often met with a sense of anxiety. For some, this last set of teeth comes in quietly and without a fuss, but for others, wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort and can lead to painful complications or overcrowding. Everyone’s smile is unique, but when their wisdom teeth come in, many people are left unsure whether they need to be removed. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we believe that the answer all depends on your unique dental situation, but we will always recommend regular dental check-ups and consultations to ensure that you are receiving the right care.
In this blog, we’ll explore the factors determining whether keeping or removing wisdom teeth is the best choice for oral health. Curious about what’s right for you? Keep reading to find out more.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set to develop in the back corners of your mouth and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth were useful for our ancestors who needed these extra molars to chew rough food like roots, nuts and raw meat, but as human diets and jaw sizes have evolved, wisdom teeth have become less necessary and often don’t fit comfortably in modern mouths.
Because of their position in the mouth, and the limited space available, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause crowding, misalignment or become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gums. Whilst not everyone experiences these problems with their wisdom teeth, their arrival often warrants attention from dental professionals.
Common Reasons for Removal
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed when they cause – or are likely to cause – problems for your oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is impaction. This is where the tooth doesn’t fully emerge from the gumline, causing it to become trapped, or “impacted”, beneath the gums or against neighbouring teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of issues, including pain, swelling, and infection. They can also damage surrounding teeth by exerting pressure, potentially causing alignment issues or even leading to tooth decay and gum disease in hard-to-reach areas.
Impacted teeth are more prone to developing cysts, which can damage the jawbone and nearby nerves. Because of these risks, we often recommend removal before complications arise.
Crowding and Alignment Issues
When wisdom teeth try and emerge in an already crowded mouth, they can push against the surrounding teeth, shifting them out of place. This pressure can cause teeth to overlap or become misaligned and can undo years of orthodontic work. Even if your teeth were once straight, the arrival of wisdom teeth can cause noticeable changes in your smile.
Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. To maintain a healthy, well-aligned bite, dentists will often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they disrupt the position of your other teeth.
Symptoms Indicating Potential Problems
When wisdom teeth cause issues, they often present noticeable symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
One of the earliest signs is pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, typically where your wisdom teeth are trying to emerge. This pain may come and go but often worsens as the teeth attempt to push through the gums. Swelling or redness around the gums near the wisdom teeth is another common sign of trouble, indicating inflammation or infection. In more severe cases, this swelling can make it difficult to open your mouth or swallow, leading to jaw stiffness and discomfort.
Other warning signs include unexplained bad breath or a persistent bad taste, which can result from bacteria trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth or infection in the gums. These symptoms may point to an infection in the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist promptly, as these symptoms often signal the need for further examination, and in some cases wisdom teeth removal to prevent complications.
Not All Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Although wisdom teeth often get a bad reputation for causing dental problems, not all of them need to be removed. In some cases, wisdom teeth grow in properly, fully erupt, and align well with the rest of your teeth, allowing them to function just like any other molar. If they are healthy, pain-free and easy to clean, they can remain in place without causing issues.
Regular dental check-ups and X-Rays are essential to monitor wisdom teeth as they develop, ensuring they aren’t causing hidden problems like decay or pressure on adjacent teeth. For those patients lucky enough to have well-positioned wisdom teeth, removal may not be necessary, but ongoing care is still important to maintain oral health.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
For many, the thought of wisdom teeth removal can be intimidating, but understanding the process can help ease any concerns. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply preparing for a preventative extraction, knowing what to expect can make the experience far less daunting. Our experienced team of oral surgeons at The Bristol Dental Practice perform wisdom teeth removals, and apply the following steps:
Evaluation: We will review your dental and medical history, use X-Rays and digital scans, and perform a detailed examination to accurately assess the position and health of your wisdom teeth.
Anaesthesia: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we will administer local anaesthesia. For those feeling particularly anxious, we can offer sedation options to help you feel more at ease throughout the surgery.
Extraction: Your oral surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom teeth. In some cases, a small incision may be made in the gum to access the tooth.
Stitching and Recovery: If required, dissolvable stitches will be used to aid in healing. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and recommend pain management techniques to ensure a smooth recovery.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
Most people have little to no pain after their wisdom teeth removal surgery, but some may experience some swelling and mild discomfort for 2-3 days. To help with discomfort:
- Take anti-inflammatory medication (as directed by your dentist) to reduce any swelling.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction side.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and rinsing your mouth with saltwater.
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Alternatives to Extraction
While extraction is a common solution for problematic wisdom teeth, some alternatives might be considered depending on the situation.
For cases where wisdom teeth are only mildly impacted or causing minimal issues, careful monitoring and preventative care might be sufficient. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help to track any changes and aid in preventing complications.
In some instances, medications such as antibiotics can manage infections or inflammation around the wisdom teeth. Additionally, improved oral hygiene practices and professional cleanings may reduce the risk of decay and gum disease associated with partially erupted wisdom teeth.
By evaluating each case individually, your dentist can recommend the most appropriate course of action to maintain your oral health while avoiding unnecessary extractions.
Conclusion: Consult With Your Dentist
Deciding whether to remove wisdom teeth involves careful consideration of various factors, including the teeth’s position, potential for complications, and overall impact on your oral health.
While extraction is often necessary to prevent or address issues like impaction, crowding and infection, not all wisdom teeth require removal. With advances in dental care, many people can retain their wisdom teeth with proper monitoring and preventive measures.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we’re committed to providing personalised care and guiding you through the best options for your unique dental needs. If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth or want to explore your treatment options, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Your path to a healthier, more comfortable smile begins with the right advice and care.