Having your wisdom teeth remove seems like something most teenagers do around the age of 17, but is it necessary?
Grand entrance
Wisdom teeth start to appear between the ages of 10-15. Some of us have none, while a “lucky few” may have some extras, normally we only have 4. Wisdom teeth are commonly known as our third molars. At the age of 17 wisdom teeth often become problematic. 90% of Americans have these teeth removed because they start to feel discomfort. It can also be as simple as they were recommended to do so after their dentists noticed them on an x-ray.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
We already have enough teeth in our mouth; wisdom teeth are just an extra bonus. In most cases we do not have room to give shelter to these new teeth. It is also hard to care for these teeth because of their location. Meaning dentists will not be able to restore a tooth that is hard to reach. If you cannot care for them and your dentist cannot reach them, this can lead to decay and gum disease.’
Are my wisdom teeth making my other teeth crooked?
There’s a common misconception that wisdom teeth push other teeth out of their way in attempt to make room as they erupt, causing them to move and overlap. This is not true. Research has shown wisdom teeth do not exert enough pressure to move other teeth.
Do I have to have my impacted wisdom teeth removed?
Not necessarily, however bacteria can build up around impacted teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
So back to the original question, is having your wisdom teeth removed necessary?
If you have enough room, and are able to care for them properly, leaving them alone is often not a problem. But if you do not have the room, it is time to see an oral surgeon and have them removed.
