Even though it is not recommended by dentists, many people choose to allow the eruption of their wisdom teeth; complications for this decision, however, can create many health issues.
What are wisdom teeth?
A third set of molars that develop at the very back of the mouth on both the upper and lower gums are called the wisdom teeth. These teeth are vestiges of a time when early man had a rough diet that eroded teeth quickly; necessitating another set of grinding teeth. Now, the wisdom teeth are useless and, more often than not, detrimental to the overall dental health of individuals.
Problems
The majority of dentists strongly recommend the removal of wisdom teeth at the first sign of their development. The procedure is much easier before the roots are allowed to grow and healing is much faster in younger individuals. When allowed to remain in the mouth, problems can soon begin to arise. Because of the difficulty in reaching wisdom teeth, complications in keeping them clean become an issue. Food particles can become lodged between the teeth and in the gum line; allowing bacteria to breed and making the conditions favorable for infection and gum disease.
The most common problem is that wisdom teeth can become impacted; growing out of position due to the lack of space for the large molars. Relentless pressure of the wisdom tooth against the 2nd molar can cause damage to that tooth. Cysts and even tumors can develop in the sac where the wisdom tooth originates; a condition that can affect the jaw, nerves and other teeth. The crooked position of the wisdom tooth often creates empty pockets that will traps food bits and bacteria that will promote decay. In addition, the inability for proper cleaning makes for a perfect breeding ground for damaging and painful gum disease.
Treatment
The best course of action is to have the wisdom teeth removed. This typically requires outpatient surgery performed by an oral surgeon. Occasionally after the removal of wisdom teeth, complications can be experienced. Dry socket, infection in the empty tooth socket, jaw weakening, nerve damage and sinus problems are the problems that can arise, although these incidences are infrequent.
For the majority of people, removal of the wisdom teeth in the mid to late teen years will eliminate the possibility of complications of the unnecessary molars. Allowing them to remain in the mouth can almost surely guarantee that dental health issues will lie ahead.