An estimated four million Americans, mainly young adults ages 15 to 20, have their wisdom teeth pulled each year. While we spend our lives taking care of our teeth so that they remain in our mouths, why are we willingly removing them out of our mouths?
Truth be told, there is some debate among some dental professionals as to who should have their wisdom teeth pulled and when this procedure should be done. But despite the controversy, the reason that so many dentists recommend pulling wisdom teeth is to prevent future problems.
Leaving them in the mouth increases the likelihood of infection, gum disease, tooth bone loss and in some rare cases, the development of cysts or tumors. In fact, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), nearly 30 percent of wisdom teeth have cavities and about 25 percent have inflammation that signals gum disease.
As the wisdom teeth grow, the jaw may not be large enough to support them, they may grow crookedly or they may break through the gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them.
All of these reasons increase risk of dental complications.
If you have been recommended to have your wisdom teeth pulled, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website at Livonia Dental Care. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. "Like" us on Facebook and check us out on YouTube.
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