Do I Really Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? Understanding the Latest Guidelines

The fact is that not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. How do you know if you fall into that category or not? The answer is to see your dentist. At Indiana Emergency Dental, we offer 3D panoramic wisdom teeth technology in Indianapolis, IN, to provide insights that answer this question. This specialized X-ray lets our dentist see if you need your wisdom teeth extracted.

When is Removal Necessary?

Generally speaking, wisdom teeth removal is necessary if the molars are causing or will likely cause problems. Some specific indications that the wisdom teeth need to come out include:

• Impaction—Impacted wisdom teeth can not fully emerge because there isn’t enough space left in the mouth. Left in place, impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, cysts, or even tumors to develop.
• Infection—Because the wisdom teeth sit far back in the mouth, they are hard to clean if they break through the gum. That may leave you open to infection and periodontal disease.
• Damage to the other teeth—Wisdom teeth may try to push their way in when there isn’t enough room, damaging the surrounding teeth or causing alignment problems.

At one point, it was common just to remove the wisdom teeth because it was difficult to tell if they would become problematic in the future. Today, technology like 3D panoramic imaging gives dentists a peek into how the wisdom teeth may perform over time.

How Do Dentists Determine Wisdom Teeth Can Stay in Place?

By examining the molars’ development physically and through imaging, dentists can determine if they are erupting normally, in the best position, and have enough room. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted and healthy, they may decide not to remove them.

If you have questions about your wisdom teeth, call our office today and make an appointment with a dentist in Indianapolis, IN, for evaluation.