Question:
I guess everyone else out there then agrees,
that it's best to get wisdom teeth removed, well before problem even
arises?
Answer:
I had one wisdom tooth removed 2 years ago. My 3 remaining wisdom teeth do
not bother me at all, yet my dentist keeps telling me that I should
eventually get them out. It's hard to get back there for cleaning and
flossing, but if they are not hurting me at all, why should I get them
removed? Maybe he thinks that I will eventually get cavities back there,
and it would be best to just get them pulled now? Or are they other reasons
that I don't know of?
You have your answer right there. Cavities & periodontal problems at a
minimum and nasty infections are what may be awaiting you. Generally, more
problems exist by thinking 'if it aint broke, I aint gonna fix it' when it
comes to impacted or malpositioned teeth.
Recommending extractions for wisdom teeth is certainly a gray area.
My opinions (I am not an oral surgeon):
Most people don't go to the grave with wisdom teeth still in their
heads.
Most research says that there is not a great advantage to having wisdom
teeth extracted at an early age.
Most research also shows a similar risk of complication following
extractions regardless of age.
Therefore, I base extraction recommendations on the symptoms of each
patient. Assymptomatic.....leave them alone. Problems at frequent
intervals....don't keep prescribing antibiotics.
