Most people have wisdom teeth removed because there is a high chance that they will get cavities, experience pain, or have an infection. However, there are some cases where wisdom teeth can be kept. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of keeping wisdom teeth and help you make the decision that is best for you!

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, these teeth come in completely, but other times they may only partially erupt. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if they are not properly taken care of.

The Pros of Keeping Wisdom Teeth

There are a couple of reasons why you might want to keep your wisdom teeth. Here are some of the pros:

1. They can help you chew better. If they come in completely and are properly aligned, they can help you grind your food more effectively.
2. They can give you more chewing options. If you lose one or more of your molars, they can help you fill in the gap.

The Cons of Keeping Wisdom Teeth

There are also a few reasons why you might not want to keep these teeth. Here are some of the cons:

1. They can cause cavities. If the teeth come in at an angle, they can be difficult to clean and can easily develop cavities.
2. They can cause pain. Teeth that haven’t erupted fully can often be very painful.
3. They can lead to infection. If these teeth are not properly cleaned, they can become infected and cause a lot of pain.
4. They may need to be removed anyway. In some cases, these teeth may still need to be removed even if you try to keep them.

Erupted vs. Impacted

Erupted wisdom teeth are teeth that have come in completely and are visible in the mouth. Impacted teeth are wisdom teeth that have not come in completely and are stuck in the gums or jawbone.

The Procedure

If you decide to remove these teeth, your dentist will need to perform a procedure to remove them. This procedure is called an extraction. During the extraction, your dentist will use special tools to loosen and remove the teeth in a process similar to this:

1. The dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area.
2. The dentist will then use special tools to loosen the teeth.
3. The teeth will be removed using forceps or a dental drill.
4. The area will be cleaned and stitches may be needed.

After the Procedure

You may experience some pain and swelling after the procedure. For relief, can use over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve the pain. You should also avoid eating anything that might irritate the area, such as crunchy foods or drinks with sugar. The stitches will usually dissolve on their own, but if they do not, you will need to have them removed by your dentist.

Before you go home, your dentist and their team will  give you instructions on how to care for the area. You will need to keep the area clean and dry, and you may need to use cold packs to reduce swelling.

How Long Does Healing Take?

The healing process usually takes about two weeks. However, it may take longer if the wisdom teeth were impacted. You should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the healing process, as both of these can slow down the healing process. Further, you shouldn’t use straws when drinking anything as this can also slow down healing.

So, Should You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

The decision of whether to keep or remove wisdom teeth is a personal one that depends on many factors. If you are experiencing pain, infection, or other problems with your wisdom teeth, then it is probably best to have them removed. However, if your teeth are properly erupted and are not causing any problems, you may want to keep them. Talk to your dentist to see what is the best decision for you!

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you are currently having pain  or other problems with your wisdom teeth and would like to have them removed, make an appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry today. Our dentist, Dr. Chris Bockrath, is experienced in wisdom tooth extractions and can help you get the relief you need. Call us today!