Is it necessary to take a human's wisdom teeth out?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the necessity of removing wisdom teeth. The individual feels fine with their wisdom teeth, but the dentist recommends removal due to difficulty in cleaning them. The conversation also mentions seeking a second opinion from another dentist. A source is referenced which lists four situations where wisdom teeth removal is recommended, including difficulty in cleaning them. Not properly cleaning wisdom teeth can lead to an increased risk of gingivitis.
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pivoxa15
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Is it necessary to take a human's wisdom teeth out?
 
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Only if they are somehow bad, or you mouth hasen't enough room for them.
 
  • #3
I feel fine with them but the dentist thinks I should take them out because they are hard to clean. Is that good enough reason to take them out?
 
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You may be interested in reading an earlier biology thread on wisdom teeth.
I feel fine with them but the dentist thinks I should take them out because they are hard to clean. Is that good enough reason to take them out?
You may want to ask another dentist for a 2nd opinion.

Must wisdom teeth come out? This http://au.health.yahoo.com/041101/25/1ui5.html?r=967673125 points to 4 situations where they recommend having them removed: [1] when impacted, [2] if you are prone to pericoronitis (infection of the gum near a partially erupted wisdom tooth),[3] if they are coming in the wrong position (making cleaning difficult) and [4] when they are opposite an already pulled wisdom tooth.

Note that one of these reasons does recommend pulling them when they are difficult to clean. If they cannot sufficiently clean off the plaque (bacteria), you will be more prone to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gingivitis/DS00363.
 
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FAQ: Is it necessary to take a human's wisdom teeth out?

1. What are wisdom teeth and why do we have them?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt in the late teenage years or early twenties. They were necessary for our ancient ancestors who had larger jaws and needed the extra teeth for chewing tough and coarse foods.

2. Why do some people need to have their wisdom teeth removed?

Some people's wisdom teeth do not have enough room to fully erupt and can become impacted, causing pain, infection, and potential damage to surrounding teeth. In other cases, the wisdom teeth may grow in at an angle, causing crowding and misalignment of the other teeth.

3. Are there any risks associated with removing wisdom teeth?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with removing wisdom teeth. These may include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and dry socket. However, these risks are relatively low and can be minimized with proper care and following post-operative instructions.

4. Is it necessary to remove all four wisdom teeth at once?

It is not always necessary to remove all four wisdom teeth at once. This depends on the individual's oral health and the position and development of their wisdom teeth. In some cases, it may be recommended to remove all four to prevent future problems, while in others, only one or two may need to be removed.

5. What is the recovery process like after wisdom teeth removal?

The recovery process can vary from person to person, but typically involves some swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement for a few days. It is important to follow post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed pain medication, eating soft foods, and keeping the extraction site clean to promote healing. Most people are able to resume normal activities within a week.

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