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What are the pros and cons of removing wisdom teeth?

May 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Generally speaking, wisdom teeth refer to the third molars located at the back of the mouth. The benefits of removing them include preventing dental problems caused by wisdom tooth growth, avoiding periodontal inflammation due to impacted wisdom teeth, improving oral hygiene, and preventing the formation of cysts and tumors. However, potential drawbacks include causing oral infections, leading to dry mouth, and resulting in bleeding or other complications.

Generally speaking, wisdom teeth refer to the third molars located at the back of the mouth. The benefits of removing wisdom teeth include preventing dental problems caused by their growth, avoiding periodontal inflammation due to wisdom teeth, improving oral hygiene, and preventing the formation of cysts and tumors; while potential drawbacks include risk of oral infection, dry mouth, bleeding, or other complications. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Preventing dental issues caused by wisdom tooth growth
Wisdom teeth may exert pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment, and even protruding teeth (buck teeth), which may require orthodontic treatment. Therefore, removing wisdom teeth proactively can prevent these problems.

2. Preventing periodontitis caused by wisdom teeth
The gums surrounding wisdom teeth are prone to bacterial infections, which can result in inflammation and pain. If left untreated, such conditions may progress into more serious issues like periodontitis and bone loss.

3. Improving oral hygiene
Wisdom teeth are located at the deepest part of the oral cavity, making them difficult to clean. This increases the risk of bacterial buildup, leading to bad breath and other hygiene issues. Removing wisdom teeth can enhance overall oral cleanliness and prevent such problems.

4. Preventing cyst and tumor formation
When a wisdom tooth fails to fully erupt, it may become enclosed and form an impacted tooth cyst. This cyst can gradually enlarge and potentially develop into a cystic tumor, requiring surgical intervention. Thus, extracting unerupted wisdom teeth helps prevent such complications.

II. Drawbacks of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Risk of oral infection
Wisdom tooth extraction involves creating an incision, which may lead to oral infection. Postoperative care is essential—maintaining good oral hygiene and strictly following the doctor’s instructions and prescribed medications are crucial.

2. Causing dry mouth
During the extraction procedure, particularly for teeth located near the tongue side or deep in the mouth, there is a risk of damaging nerves on the lingual side of the mouth, potentially resulting in dry mouth and related symptoms.

3. Bleeding or other complications
Wisdom tooth removal may lead to postoperative bleeding, swelling, and pain.

In conclusion, wisdom tooth extraction has both advantages and risks. If extraction is being considered, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified dental professional who can provide personalized advice and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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