If your wisdom teeth do not hurt, should you get them removed by an oral surgeon? The answer depends on the health and position of your wisdom teeth and how they can affect your long-term oral health. We will discuss five factors that can help you decide when removing your wisdom teeth makes sense.
Five Reasons for Removing Painless Wisdom Teeth
Even if your wisdom teeth do not hurt, an examination and x-rays may reveal valid reasons for removing them. Your wisdom teeth can create problems that take time to see or feel, including:
- Cavities
- Cysts or tumors
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Gum disease
- Sinus issues
1. Cavities
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are challenging to clean. Trapped food in teeth promotes bacteria growth. A wisdom tooth that gets a cavity presents more challenges, including:
- Accessing the tooth
- Filling the cavity
- Keeping the tooth clean to prevent recurring cavities
2. Cysts
An impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth irritates oral tissue. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, it can cause a fluid-filled sac or cyst to develop around the tooth, neighboring teeth, or jawbone. A growing cyst may affect your oral health in several ways:
- Damage tooth roots
- Irritate nerves
- Destroy the bone that supports your teeth
3. Damage to Nearby Teeth
Sometimes wisdom teeth grow on their side or at an angle. Without removing them, they can affect other teeth in several ways:
- Push on second molars
- Spread infection to nearby teeth
- Cause crowding of other teeth
4. Gum Disease
Partially emerged or impacted wisdom teeth are challenging to floss around them and create unhealthy conditions in your mouth, including:
- Plaque buildup
- Inflammation and gum disease
- Trapped food beneath a gum flap leading to infection
5. Sinus Issues
Upper wisdom teeth can affect your sinuses. Although the issue is rare, Rutgers Health University Dental Associates confirms that wisdom teeth can put uncomfortable pressure on your sinuses. Removing wisdom teeth can relieve these symptoms:
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Pressure
- Sinus pain
What If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Healthy?
Healthy wisdom teeth do not necessarily require removal. And they are sound if the following is true about them:
- Fully erupted, in the upright position, with plenty of room
- Completely functional
- Healthy structure, gums, and bone
- Painless
- Accessible and easy to clean
Although you cannot prevent future problems with your wisdom teeth, regular dental exam and cleaning appointments are essential. Your dentist will monitor your oral health and take x-rays periodically for early detection of any problems.
Get an Accurate Evaluation of Your Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth do not have to hurt to threaten your oral health. Maryland Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in Baltimore recommends getting them evaluated. One of our surgeons will verify whether your wisdom teeth are healthy or require monitoring or removal. We welcome you to call us to schedule a consultation today.
