Do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Disease description:
The tooth is very painful, and after an examination, it was found to be a wisdom tooth. I'm really in two minds about it. Doctor, do I need to have the wisdom tooth removed?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, may need to be removed depending on their growth pattern. If a wisdom tooth develops completely and is properly positioned, can be cleaned normally, and does not cause crowding or bite problems with other teeth, it can be preserved. However, the following situations may require wisdom tooth extraction:
1. Impaction or tilted growth: Wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding gums and increase the risk of infection.
2. Periodontal disease or dental caries: Due to difficulty in cleaning, wisdom teeth are prone to bacterial invasion, leading to gum disease or tooth decay.
3. Insufficient space: Wisdom teeth may cause displacement or crowding of other teeth, affecting overall occlusion.
4. Cysts or tumors: Cysts or tumors may form around wisdom teeth, necessitating tooth extraction to remove the lesion.
5. Persistent pain or discomfort: If a wisdom tooth causes ongoing pain, difficulty chewing, or limited mouth opening, extraction may be necessary.
If wisdom teeth cause persistent pain or worsening symptoms, prompt medical attention is advised.
