Since the beginning of time, wisdom teeth have been a source of trouble for many people. Some people elect to remove them entirely, while others leave the wisdom teeth in and live with their consequences. With this propensity to come across problems in life, it often becomes difficult to make decisions that are both effective and risk-free.
Is it Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal has long been a topic of debate among both healthcare professionals and the public. Some dentists hold that removal is vital to maintain health, while others believe that wisdom teeth are important for proper dental functioning and thus recommend leaving them in.
Being primarily in the rear of the mouth and hardened by bone, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, potentially harmful bacteria can infect the tooth and surrounding soft tissue if not removed. The longer the teeth stay in, the greater the likelihood of an infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health issues–even death. This is one of many reasons wisdom teeth removal has become a popular practice among dentists.
Besides infections, inflammation may develop around wisdom teeth if they cannot break through the gum and be cleaned by nature. In these instances, the teeth may become impacted, gum disease can develop, and bone decay can occur. Wisdom teeth frequently develop abscesses that require medical attention to rid of. Left untreated, the source of infection can spread and lead to infection in other areas of the body. Experts warn that if an abscess is left untreated for more than a few days, it could lead to death.
Regardless of whether they are motivated by similar concerns, some people elect to remove their wisdom teeth regardless of the risks involved. There are several factors to consider before making a decision that could affect your health. The biggest among them is whether the conditions in which you will live will permit it.
Wisdom Teeth and Your Health
While the exact causes of wisdom teeth problems are unknown, experts agree they can contribute to serious health conditions such as heart disease, tooth decay, and gum disease. Besides these health risks, there are also physical dangers associated with wisdom tooth removal.
Removing wisdom teeth is always accompanied by some pain, which can be excruciating. There are also risks associated with anaesthesia and certain medications that may help manage pain during and/or
after the procedure. If you have any existing medical conditions, wisdom teeth removal can exacerbate certain issues. For example, women who are pregnant or have weak immune systems should not undergo wisdom teeth removal because the process will increase their risk of infection and other complications. If you have other health issues, it is best to discuss the risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal with your healthcare provider.In the end, it is up to the patient to decide whether wisdom teeth are worth keeping in. For those who have been living with wisdom tooth problems for some time, the answer is often a resounding yes. If you are hesitant about undergoing oral surgery and its associated risks, you may be better off leaving your wisdom teeth in place. This can be a hard decision, and one that you will have to make on your own.