Why Experts Now Say Not To Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Find out ​why experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth. Learn the latest advice and whether extraction is truly necessary.

I remember sitting in the dentist’s chair, gripping the armrests nervously while the dentist checked my teeth. He said, ‘Your wisdom teeth are coming in, we’ll need to take them out soon.’ Like most people, I didn’t think twice and just nodded. Wisdom teeth removal feels like a normal thing to do, almost like a rite of passage. 

But here’s the thing: some dental experts are now questioning this whole practice. In many cases, wisdom teeth removal might not be necessary, and could even cause more problems than leaving them alone. 

For years, wisdom teeth removal was just routine. But now, with new research and a better understanding of oral health, many dentists are saying we should be more cautious about it. If you’ve been told you need to get yours taken out or you’re just curious about this change, this article will help you understand what’s going on so you can make the best decision for yourself. 

Let’s take a closer look at why dentists are rethinking wisdom teeth removal, and why keeping them might actually be better for your oral health in some cases.

The History of Routine Wisdom Teeth Removal: A Tradition Rooted in Assumptions

For years, people thought it was better to just take out wisdom teeth as a precaution. The idea was pretty simple:

• Wisdom teeth usually come in during your late teens or early twenties, and most people don’t have enough room for them.
• If they stayed, they might mess up the alignment of your other teeth.
• A lot of people believed wisdom teeth didn’t have any real purpose, so it was better to remove them.

Because of this, it became really common for dentists to recommend getting wisdom teeth removed for almost everyone, even before those teeth had fully come in.

But here’s the thing: this wasn’t always necessary. Dentists were assuming wisdom teeth would always cause problems, and now research shows that’s not always true.

Why Experts Are Now Urging Caution

1. Not All Wisdom Teeth Are Problematic

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that up to 60% of wisdom teeth extractions may be unnecessary. Many wisdom teeth erupt without causing any issues, functioning just like any other molar.

I’ve had friends who never had their wisdom teeth removed and never experienced pain, crowding, or infections. In fact, my own wisdom teeth came in perfectly aligned, and my dentist suggested I leave them alone. Had I followed the old-school advice, I would have undergone an unnecessary surgical procedure for no reason.

2. The Surgery Carries Risks

Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure, and like any surgery, it comes with risks. Some of the most common complications include:

• Nerve Damage: The inferior alveolar nerve, which runs close to the wisdom teeth, can sometimes be damaged during extraction. This can lead to numbness in the tongue, lips, or chin, sometimes permanently.
• Dry Socket: This painful condition occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. It can prolong recovery and cause severe discomfort.
• Infections: Any surgical site carries a risk of infection, which can lead to swelling, pain, and even more serious complications if left untreated.
• Long Recovery Times: Unlike a simple cavity filling, wisdom teeth removal can leave you sore and swollen for days or even weeks. Some people experience difficulty eating and speaking for a prolonged period.

If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing issues, is it really worth going through this ordeal?

The Benefits of Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth

1. They Can Be Functional Teeth

Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth aren’t just useless remnants of evolution. If they come in properly aligned, they can be used for chewing just like your other molars.

Think about it: would you voluntarily remove a healthy tooth just because it might cause problems in the future? Probably not. So why do it with wisdom teeth?

2. Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery Means Less Pain and Fewer Risks

Surgery should always be a last resort. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, keeping them means avoiding the discomfort, risks, and cost associated with extraction.

I once asked my dentist, “If my wisdom teeth aren’t hurting me, why should I remove them?” His response? “You shouldn’t.” That’s when I truly started questioning the automatic assumption that wisdom teeth must go.

3. Improved Oral Hygiene Can Make a Difference

One of the biggest arguments for wisdom teeth removal is that they’re hard to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and infections. But with modern dental hygiene practices, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, regular dental visits, keeping wisdom teeth clean is far easier than it used to be.

When Removal is Still Necessary

Of course, this doesn’t mean wisdom teeth should never be removed. There are cases where extraction is the best option, including:

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If your wisdom teeth are trapped under the gumline or growing at an awkward angle, they can cause pain, infections, or damage to neighboring teeth.
• Severe Crowding: If your jaw truly doesn’t have enough space for wisdom teeth, they may push other teeth out of alignment.
• Recurring Infections or Cysts: Some wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to repeated infections or even cysts that can damage the jawbone.

The key takeaway? Wisdom teeth removal should be a case-by-case decision, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

How to Make the Right Decision for Your Wisdom Teeth

1. Get a Professional Evaluation

If you’re unsure about your wisdom teeth, see a dentist or oral surgeon for a full evaluation, including X-rays. A good dentist will assess whether your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems or if they can be safely left alone.

2. Monitor Your Wisdom Teeth Regularly

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems now, that doesn’t mean they never will. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure they remain healthy.

3. Prioritize Oral Hygiene

Keeping your wisdom teeth means taking extra care with brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup and infections.

4. Question Automatic Recommendations

If a dentist tells you that you must remove your wisdom teeth without explaining why, don’t be afraid to ask questions, or get a second opinion.

Key Takings

• Wisdom teeth removal isn’t always necessary and can even come with risks and complications.
• Keeping your wisdom teeth can be a functional option if they are healthy and well-aligned.
• Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are key to managing wisdom teeth health.
• Always question automatic recommendations for extraction, and seek professional evaluations before making a decision.

Useful Articles

1. Wisdom teeth removal: When is it necessary: Mayo Clinic explains when wisdom teeth removal is necessary and the potential benefits of early extraction.
2. Top 6 Reasons to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed: This article highlights common reasons for removing wisdom teeth to prevent oral health issues.
3. Should you have your wisdom teeth removed: NCBI provides a scientific perspective on when wisdom teeth removal is recommended.
4. Wisdom tooth removal: NHS outlines the conditions that may require wisdom teeth removal and the associated symptoms.