The Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth

Did you know that about 98 percent of people are born with wisdom teeth? This third set of molars appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and for some people, wisdom teeth never cause a problem. They simply emerge from the gums and into the mouth, without issue. For about 85 percent of us, though, it’s a different story. Most people don’t have room in their mouths for these extra teeth, so the wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) and cause issues like pain, tooth damage, bad breath, and much more. Because it’s so common for wisdom teeth to be problematic, most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal.

Why do we have wisdom teeth if we’re just going to need them removed? Most experts believe they are vestigial, having served an important function for our ancestors, but not necessary in the modern age. Eating a primitive diet of raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meats, our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to grind those difficult-to-digest foods. Now that we have modern cooking methods and utensils, we no longer need those extra molars, and our bodies have actually changed with the times. Our jaws are smaller than those of our ancestors, and that’s why many people don’t have enough room for their wisdom teeth to fit in their mouths.

So, what are the benefits of removing wisdom teeth? Basically, by having these unnecessary teeth removed, you will save yourself a lot of pain and hassle. Wisdom teeth are positioned inconveniently for cleaning, so they tend to be more likely to decay than other teeth. One of the benefits of wisdom teeth removal is that you don’t have to worry that you won’t get them clean enough and they will decay. However, wisdom teeth can also cause some serious dental problems, and that is another reason they should be removed. Here are some wisdom teeth removal benefits you should know:

• Having wisdom teeth removed can reduce headaches. Wisdom teeth trying to move into your mouth can shift your other teeth, causing crowding. This can result in an array of symptoms, including headaches. Once the wisdom teeth are gone, your whole mouth can relax, and you are likely to suffer fewer headaches.
• Wisdom teeth can cause oral and facial pain. This can be the result of crowding, but it can also happen because of gum disease and tooth decay, which can both be exacerbated by wisdom teeth. By having those third molars removed, you will improve your quality of life and experience less pain.
• Your risk of oral disease is reduced when your wisdom teeth are removed. As mentioned, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur when you leave your wisdom teeth in your mouth. Because tooth decay can spread, and gum disease affects your entire mouth, these conditions can lead to more serious issues, including the loss of vital tissue. Having your wisdom teeth removed makes it easier to keep your mouth healthy.

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure and requires an experienced surgeon. However, wisdom teeth removal recovery is not as difficult as you might expect. Most of the aftercare instructions only apply to the first 24 hours, after which you can go back to your usual activities. It is important, though, that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. While you will only need to rest for about a day, you should plan to avoid strenuous activity for at least a week. In most cases, you won’t need a follow-up appointment either because you won’t have stitches or because the stitches used are meant to dissolve naturally.

Now that you understand wisdom teeth removal benefits, you’ll want to find a competent, experienced oral surgeon to remove yours. For over four decades, Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery has provided a long list of oral and facial solutions to restore our patients’ smiles and improve their quality of life. The region’s premier choice for oral and maxillofacial surgeries, we have an impeccable safety record and a team of highly trained, board-certified surgical professionals, committed to patient safety and surgical excellence. AOFS is the largest oral surgery practice in the United States, and we can manage a wide range of treatment for our patients. We are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health and wellness, and it is our ambition to provide our broad scope of surgical services to our community. Whether you need TMJ treatment, dental implants, removal of wisdom teeth, or another type of oral or facial surgery, we are here to guide you through all your oral surgery needs. Call us for more information at 478-401-1527, or contact us through our website to schedule a consultation.