What is a wisdom tooth and why does it need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties. Their arrival often raises questions and concerns among individuals and dental professionals alike. 

Commonly, wisdom teeth are believed to cause pain and complications, leading to their automatic removal. 

However, it is essential to dispel this misconception and gain a deeper understanding of these enigmatic molars. This blog post will tell you all you need to know. 

 

What is a Wisdom Tooth? 

A wisdom tooth, also known as third molars, is one of the last molars that typically emerges in the back of the mouth during early adulthood. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth, one in each mouth quadrant.

Wisdom teeth often cause dental issues due to their late eruption and lack of sufficient space. They are commonly associated with problems like impaction, crowding, gummy swelling around them and pain, necessitating their removal in many cases.

 

Does Wisdom Tooth Need to be Removed?

Contrary to popular belief, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. There are instances where these molars grow in without causing any issues or discomfort. 

It is crucial to approach the decision of wisdom tooth removal on an individual basis, considering factors such as oral health, space available in the jaw, and the presence of any signs of complications.

At Klinika Dental Clinic located in Al Barsha, Dubai, dentists may choose to monitor the development and positioning of these molars through regular dental check-ups and X-rays. 

Monitoring allows dental professionals to detect any potential problems at an early stage and recommend appropriate measures accordingly.

 

When Does Wisdom Tooth Need to be Removed?

Wisdom tooth needs to be removed in any of the following cases:

1. Pain from Tooth

One of the most prominent reasons for tooth removal is the pain these molars can cause. As wisdom teeth attempt to erupt in the back of the mouth, they often encounter limited space and may grow at odd angles. 

This abnormal growth can crowd and exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing significant discomfort. The pain can vary from mild soreness to intense throbbing sensations, making eating, talking, or even performing regular oral hygiene practices challenging.

 

2. Fluid-Filled Sacs (Cysts)

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop around an impacted wisdom tooth. As the tooth tries to grow within the jawbone but remains trapped, it may stimulate the surrounding tissues to form a cyst. These cysts can gradually expand, damaging the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves. 

If left untreated, cysts can cause jaw pain, and facial swelling, leading to more severe complications. To prevent such detrimental outcomes, dentists often recommend wisdom tooth extraction to remove the source of the cyst and prevent further growth.

 

3. Consistent Infection of Soft Tissue Behind the Lower Last Wisdom Tooth

When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to emerge fully, they may only partially erupt or remain trapped beneath the gum line, a condition known as impaction. 

In such cases, a flap of gum tissue may cover the partially erupted tooth, creating a space where food particles and bacteria can become trapped. 

The difficulty in cleaning this area thoroughly can lead to the accumulation of debris, causing infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. 

This condition, known as pericoronitis, often leads to pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. It may require prompt wisdom tooth removal to alleviate the infection and prevent its recurrence.

4. Gum Disease

Impacted wisdom teeth can also contribute to gum disease or exacerbate existing gum problems. 

The limited space and difficulty cleaning around partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, potentially progressing to periodontitis. 

Gum disease can compromise oral health and even impact overall well-being, making wisdom tooth removal essential in preventing its onset or progression.

 

Alternatives to Wisdom Tooth Removal

In some cases, rather than immediate extraction, dental professionals at Klinika Dental Clinic, one of the most trusted dental clinics in Al Barsha, Dubai, may suggest alternative approaches to address wisdom tooth-related issues:

Conservative Management: If a wisdom tooth is impacted but not causing any immediate problems, conservative management may be advised. This involves regular monitoring and taking necessary measures if complications arise.

Orthodontic Treatment: If crowding is the main concern, orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners may be recommended to create space for the wisdom teeth to emerge naturally.

Extraction of Problematic Wisdom Teeth Only: When specific wisdom teeth cause issues such as infections, crowding, or severe pain, the dentist may recommend extracting only those problematic molars, leaving the others intact.

 

Klinika Dental Clinic: Leading Dental Clinic in Dubai for Oral Care

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, finding the right dental clinic is paramount. Klinika Dental Clinic stands out as a shining gem in the field of oral care. 

 

Some of our services include:

Oral Prophylaxis (Routine Dental Cleaning/ Deep Scaling And Polishing)

For your  oral health to remain in good condition, regular dental cleaning is necessary. Klinika Dental Clinic offers oral prophylaxis, which involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. 

This routine dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Deep scaling and polishing are performed for patients with more advanced gum issues to remove bacteria and calculus below the gum line, promoting healthier gums.

 

Tooth Extraction

In addition to wisdom tooth removal, Klinika Dental Clinic provides tooth extraction services for damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be saved through other treatments. 

Our dentists prioritize patient comfort and use advanced techniques to ensure a smooth and pain-free extraction procedure.

 

Periapical X-Ray

To accurately diagnose dental problems, Klinika Dental Clinic offers periapical X-rays, which provide detailed images of specific teeth, their roots, and surrounding bone. 

These X-rays help our dentists identify issues not visible during a regular dental examination, facilitating prompt and targeted treatments.

 

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth can cause various dental issues, necessitating their removal. Problems like pain, infections, cysts, tumors, and damage to neighboring teeth make extraction essential. Gum disease and extensive tooth decay are also common concerns, however, it is important to know that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.

At Klinika Dental Clinic in Al Barsha, Dubai, we offer expert general dentistry services, including oral prophylaxis, tooth extraction, and periapical X-rays, to ensure optimal oral health and a brighter smile. Schedule an appointment today for personalized care and exceptional dental solutions.