Do You Really Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Do You Really Need Your
Wisdom Teeth Removed?

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAYwww.healthysmiles.com.au | 03 9877 2035|info@healthysmiles.com.au
The wisdom in wisdom teeth removal has been a contentious topic
among dental health professionals. In many cases, the wisdom teeth will
pose no problems such that removal is unnecessary.

However, the wisdom teeth can grow at
various angles in the jaw, emerge
partially in the gums, and even remain
completely hidden in the gums, all of
which can result in dental health issues
like impaction. But wisdom teeth
extraction has risks and complications
considering that it is an invasive surgery
albeit a relatively minor procedure.

This is true whether the surgery was carried out for asymptomatic cases
– no symptoms like pain are experienced in the region in or near the
wisdom tooth –or for symptomatic cases where the patient suffers from
considerable pain.

The question is: Will you benefit from wisdom teeth removal?
Let’s look at what the experts have to say on the matter before calling
your dentist and insisting – or not insisting, for that matter – on the
procedure.

When Conflicting Data Muddle The Issue

The wisdom behind wisdom teeth extraction has no definitive answer
mainly because of the conflicting statements from even the dental health
professionals themselves. On one hand, Dr. Louis K. Rafetto of the
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons assert that
although verifiable percentages are unavailable, approximately 75 to 80
percent of adults will be unable to successfully maintain their wisdom
teeth.

Dr. Raymond P. White Jr. of the University Of North Carolina School Of
Dentistry agreed with his statement that roughly 60 to 70 percent of
individuals with wisdom teeth will eventually have dental health issues.

For these proponents, wisdom teeth removal is a must for most
individuals despite the absence of issues related to the third molar, said
removal of which is performed as a preventative measure.

On the other hand, numerous
comparative and comprehensive reviews
of scientific studies suggesting wisdom
teeth extraction have revealed that there
was no strong evidence to support the
procedure on otherwise healthy teeth.
These reviews were conducted by
independent bodies with no affiliations
to oral surgeons.

In fact, Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) has stopped paying the
surgery in cases where there are no valid reasons for it; said move was
the result of an analysis conducted by the Centre for Reviews and
Dissemination that asymptomatic wisdom teeth removal has no solid
scientific evidence to support it.

Even the American Public Health Association has dismissed the typical
arguments for the surgery while also highlighting its risks including
possible nerve damage, loss of sense and taste, and complications from
anaesthesia.

With such conflicting views, what can an average dental patient do? You
must discuss your options with your dentist since each case has unique
circumstances befitting unique management approaches.

When You Can Skip On The Procedure

On the other hand, numerous comparative and comprehensive reviews
of scientific studies suggesting wisdom teeth extraction have revealed
that there was no strong evidence to support the procedure on
otherwise healthy teeth.

 Healthy
 Grown in completely or fully erupted
 Positioned in the right place
 Biting properly with the tooth opposite it
 Can be cleaned with a toothbrush as part of daily hygiene habits

If you decide against extraction, you
must always adopt good dental
hygiene practices including regular
visits to your dentist to ensure that
everything is well with your wisdom
teeth.

When You Should Be On The Procedure

Your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal in case of:
 Recurrent gum infections
 Irreparable tooth decay
 Cysts
 Tumours
 Abscess
 Damage to the nearby teeth and bone

You should ask your dentist about the reasons for the procedure before
actually consenting to it. Keep in mind that your wisdom teeth may grow
in successfully, thus, eliminating the necessity for its removal. Even in
cases of infection or inflammation, your dentist may recommend less
invasive treatments with wisdom tooth extraction as the last resort.

The bottom line: Wisdom teeth removal is not always a black-and-
white decision. You must always talk to your oral surgeon or dentist
about the benefits you can enjoy from the procedure.

150 Canterbury Road
Blackburn South Vic 3130
Phone No - 03 9877 2035
Email - info@healthysmiles.com.au
Website - http://www.healthysmiles.com.au/
Healthy Smiles

Do You Really Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

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