Is it wise to remove wisdom teeth?

Contributed by Specialist Dental Group® 

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are usually the last set of permanent teeth to develop. Most people would have four wisdom teeth, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. These teeth usually develop between the ages of 16-21, although it may erupt at a later stage for some people.

Every patient is unique, but generally, we will advise the removal of wisdom teeth when there are some changes in the mouth, such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease

The condition of our mouth constantly changes, so wisdom teeth that are not removed may still pose a potential problem later on. Impacted wisdom teeth, specifically, are frequent food traps and breeding grounds for bacteria. Thus, maintaining their cleanliness is difficult and infection is very common.

The younger one is, the easier the removal of the wisdom teeth, as the bone is more elastic and the roots are shorter. With proper management, the procedure is smooth and seldom causes any significant swelling or discomfort afterwards.

Regular dental visits are important so your dentist can evaluate not just your wisdom teeth, but also your overall oral health to help you prevent and manage dental disease and achieve optimal oral health.

****************

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883