The third set of molars, called wisdom teeth, emerge among people between ages 17 and 25. People often choose to eliminate their wisdom teeth, yet those who keep them discover multiple advantages.
Lifeberries Dental Clinic recommends that your ability to make an informed choice regarding wisdom teeth retention becomes clearer by learning the benefits of keeping wisdom teeth. The article outlines benefits together with potential risks alongside care instructions for wisdom teeth maintenance.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth form as the last set of molars that grow inside the backmost areas of your mouth. In ancient times, people needed wisdom teeth to break down rough foods.
The modern diet, along with reduced jaw size, leads to difficulties when wisdom teeth attempt to break through the gums. Not all wisdom teeth advantages can be dismissed even though their drawbacks remain apparent.
When Keeping Wisdom Teeth Is a Good Idea
If your wisdom teeth meet these requirements, then you can safely keep them.
- A complete eruption means these teeth successfully emerge beyond the gums.
- These teeth should remain in position without pushing on adjacent teeth by maintaining proper alignment.
- These teeth maintain a pain-free state while also avoiding swelling or infection.
- Jaws possess adequate space to accommodate teeth.
- These teeth provide simple access to regular brushing and flossing routines.
- Your teeth stay completely healthy with no cavities or damage.
- These teeth protect gum tissue by preventing gum disease from developing.
- Regular visits to the dentist help determine if these teeth should stay in your mouth.
What are the Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
People tend to overlook the functional benefits of wisdom teeth. The following points highlight the wisdom teeth benefits:
1. Extra Chewing Power
Extra molars provide support when chewing through hard foods, including raw vegetables, nuts, and meat.
2. Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery
Preserving healthy wisdom teeth does not require removal. Medical procedures present dangers, which include bleeding complications along with tissue swelling and nerve impairment.
3. Cost Savings
Tooth extraction can be expensive. You save money on surgery costs and future dental treatments when you keep your wisdom teeth.
4. Maintaining Jawbone Density
The removal of wisdom teeth can reduce the amount of healthy bone in your jaw over time. Wisdom teeth preserve our jaw’s stability by staying intact.
5. Backup for Missing Teeth
A healthy wisdom tooth can replace a missing molar if you lose it due to decay or injury.
What are the Disadvantages of Keeping Wisdom Teeth?
Choosing to retain your wisdom teeth offers advantages but also carries potential risks.
- Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth in tough-to-brush areas face a higher risk of developing cavities.
- Gum Disease: A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a food and bacteria trap that causes gum infections.
- Crowding: Pushed wisdom teeth can force other teeth to move out of their natural positions.
- Cyst Formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can create cysts that damage healthy mouth structures.
When Keeping Wisdom Teeth is an Option
Keeping the benefits of keeping wisdom teeth, your dentist might recommend you keep your wisdom teeth:
- The teeth reflect good health without dental issues.
- The X-ray results show they are healthy and safe from harmful effects.
- The area appears infection-free and shows no indications of pain or tooth decay.
- They don’t impact bite position or tooth movement during chewing.
- They do not push against other specific teeth.
- These teeth do not generate pockets of fluid or affect gum health.
Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
By reviewing these examples, you will better grasp the possible risks.
| Risk | Impact | Details |
| Tooth Decay | Hard to clean, leading to cavities. | Food particles get trapped easily. |
| Gum Infection | Bacteria can accumulate around the gum. | Causes inflammation and discomfort. |
| Crowding | May push other teeth out of alignment. | Leads to bite problems. |
| Jaw Pain | Can cause discomfort and inflammation. | Affects daily activities. |
| Cyst Formation | Fluid-filled sacs may develop. | Can damage surrounding teeth and bone. |
| Sinus Issues | Upper wisdom teeth may press on sinuses. | Causes pain and congestion. |
| Bad Breath | Food debris and bacteria can accumulate. | Leads to persistent bad odor. |
| Difficulty Chewing | Poor alignment affects chewing ability. | Can strain the jaw and muscles. |
How to Care for Wisdom Teeth Properly
Modern dental care depends on you taking good care of your wisdom teeth when you choose to keep them.
- Brush and Floss Daily: Clean thoroughly, especially around the back molars.
- Antiseptic Mouthwash: Helps control bacteria to prevent oral infections.
- See Your Dentist Often: To Check for Problems with Your Wisdom Teeth.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: They can easily become stuck in your teeth when you eat with wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
The benefits of keeping wisdom teeth include stronger chewing power with fewer dental expenses and protecting your jawbone health.
Good dental hygiene is essential to avoid issues with your wisdom teeth. Keeping healthy wisdom teeth has advantages over removing them. Ask your dentist for customized recommendations about your wisdom teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on their health and alignment. If they are healthy, keeping them is beneficial.
Keeping them can increase the risk of decay, gum infections, and possible teeth misalignment.
If they cause pain, swelling, infection, or crowding, your dentist may recommend removal.
Extraction involves surgery risks, potential nerve damage, and jawbone loss. Keeping them is preferable if they are healthy.
