The final teeth erupt in the mouth are wisdom teeth, also called third molars. These teeth may result in several issues for many people, including discomfort, infection, and crowding.
As a result, dentists frequently advise getting wisdom teeth removed to stop these problems from developing or getting worse.
The removal of wisdom teeth has several drawbacks that should be considered before the treatment, despite the possible advantages.
Disadvantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth
One of the main drawbacks of wisdom tooth removal is the risk of complications. There are dangers associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. After surgery, some people could feel swelling and discomfort.
Inflammation, pain, and discomfort following surgery could last several days or weeks.
- Pain and discomfort during recovery.
- Swelling and bruising around the extraction site.
- Potential for infection at the surgical site.
- Nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling in lips, tongue or chin area.
- Jaw stiffness and limited mouth opening.
- Possible complications from anesthesia.
- Risk of dry socket – a painful condition where blood clot does not form properly after tooth extraction.
Another disadvantage is the cost associated with wisdom tooth extraction. It can be quite expensive depending on factors such as insurance coverage and the complexity of the procedure.
This financial burden can deter individuals from getting their wisdom teeth removed. Removing wisdom teeth at an older age can be more challenging and result in a longer recovery.
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Our bones become denser as we age, making extraction more challenging. Older patients also tend to have slower healing processes which can prolong discomfort after surgery.
9 Cons of Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Anxiety and Pain
The possibility of pain and suffering before and after wisdom tooth removal is one of the most frequent drawbacks. This may involve discomfort, edema, and trouble speaking or eating.
2. Possibility of Infection
The risk of infection increases since removing wisdom teeth requires incisions in the gums. These wounds might develop infected and cause difficulties if they are not appropriately treated.
3. Nerve Injury
Wisdom tooth roots are frequently near jawbone nerves. These nerves have a slight chance of being injured during extraction, which could result in tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
4. Sinus issues
The upper jaw’s wisdom teeth may be situated close to your sinuses. The removal of these may occasionally result in sinus infections or congestion.
5. Postoperative Bleeding
Although some bleeding following wisdom tooth removal is normal, excessive bleeding can worry some people.
6. Jaw Stubbornness
Patients could have transient stiffness or restricted jaw mobility following surgery due to swelling and inflammation near the surgical site.
7. Dry Socket
A dry socket, a condition where blood clots disintegrate too soon before healing occurs at an extraction site and causes excruciating pain, is another potential risk.
8. Short-term alterations in taste perception
Following wisdom tooth removal, some patients may experience temporary changes in their taste perception due to nerve irritation or injury during the procedure.
9. Restrictive Eating
You will only require soft foods after surgery until you are fully recovered.
Your meal options may be restricted by dietary restrictions that endure for several weeks, such as avoiding hard, chewy, and spicy foods.
It’s crucial to remember that not everyone with wisdom teeth removed experiences these drawbacks; many people only have minor issues and quick recoveries.
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However, it’s always advisable to discuss your circumstances with your dentist or oral surgeon before deciding whether to have your wisdom teeth removed.
What are the benefits of having wisdom teeth?
One potential benefit of wisdom teeth is that they can help with chewing and grinding food. These extra molars provide additional surface area for breaking down tough or fibrous foods, making the digestive process more efficient.
Another advantage is wisdom teeth can replace other molars that may be damaged or lost due to dental issues.
In some cases, if a person’s second molar has been extracted or compromised, the wisdom tooth can shift forward and take on its role.
Additionally, some studies suggest that retaining healthy wisdom teeth could contribute to maintaining proper alignment of your jaw and bite.
These extra teeth may prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position over time.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these benefits, as many individuals have impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth that need removal.
Does removing wisdom teeth improve jawline?
Many people wonder if this commonly performed dental procedure has any impact on the appearance of their face. A potential side effect of this extraction is the reshaping of the jawline.
Removing wisdom teeth may improve the jawline because these molars can cause crowding and misalignment in the mouth.
When there isn’t enough space to properly erupt, they can push against adjacent teeth and disrupt their alignment.
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This can lead to changes in the overall structure of the jawline and affect facial symmetry.
Removing these problematic molars allows for proper alignment of other teeth, potentially resulting in a more defined and balanced jawline.
Wisdom teeth removal impact on the brain?
Many people endure the routine dental surgery of having their wisdom teeth removed. Although it may seem unrelated, some rumors exist about how wisdom tooth removal may affect the brain.
Some question whether getting their wisdom teeth out will damage their memory or cognitive performance. However, this claim is currently backed by something other than scientific data.
Any potential effects on the brain are indirect and mostly affect the mouth and jaw area after wisdom teeth extraction.
It’s crucial to realize that wisdom tooth removal is frequently performed to address problems with mouth infection, impaction, or overcrowding.
If not addressed, these localized issues may cause pain and discomfort. Dentists remove these troublesome teeth to enhance dental health and avoid further issues.
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Removal of wisdom teeth can result in complications.
One possible complication is infection. After the extraction, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in healing properly.
Another concern is the dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves too early. It can result in severe pain and delay the healing process.
In some cases, nerve damage may occur during wisdom tooth removal. The nerves near the lower wisdom teeth can be close to the roots.
If these nerves are damaged during surgery, it can lead to numbness or tingling sensation in the tongue, lips, or chin.
Jaw stiffness and limited mouth opening are potential complications following wisdom tooth removal.
These symptoms usually resolve independently within a few days but may persist longer for some patients.
Additionally, excessive bleeding during or after surgery could occur, which would require immediate medical attention.
FAQs
Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
The removal of wisdom teeth is not always necessary. In some cases, if the wisdom teeth are fully erupted and properly aligned, they can be left in place without causing any problems. However, removal may be recommended if the wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain or other dental issues.
Does removing wisdom teeth improve jawline?
Removing wisdom teeth does not have a direct impact on improving the jawline. Various factors, including genetics and bone structure, determine your jawline’s shape.
What is the ideal age for removing wisdom teeth?
There is no specific age considered ideal for removing wisdom teeth. The timing for extraction depends on several factors, such as the position and development of the tooth, symptoms experienced by the patient, and recommendations from a dentist or oral surgeon.
Can removing wisdom teeth result in complications?
Although rare, potential complications can be associated with removing wisdom teeth, such as infection, dry socket (a painful condition where blood clot dislodges), nerve damage, sinus complications (if upper molars are close to sinuses), and temporary difficulty in opening mouth fully.
Bottom Line
Wisdom tooth removal is frequent, although it has drawbacks. Before removing your wisdom teeth, examine the risks, problems, jawline, and brain effects.
However, every case is unique; therefore, consulting a dental specialist is essential to making an informed decision.
