Gangnam, Sinnonhyeon Station Wisdom Teeth: Do They Really Need to Be Removed? (Extraction, Pain)

Is wisdom tooth extraction really necessary?

Hello. What do you think about wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are one of the dental issues that many people experience as adults, and they are more troublesome than many expect.

However, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Today, let’s take a detailed look at wisdom tooth extraction and talk about when extraction is needed.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. There are four in total, with one each on the upper and lower left and right sides. Like other teeth, wisdom teeth can be used for chewing food, but because they are located deep in the mouth and are difficult to care for, problems can easily arise.

If wisdom teeth do not come in properly and erupt crookedly or partially, problems such as gum inflammation or cavities can occur. In particular, caution is needed because wisdom teeth can push against the teeth in front and disrupt the alignment.

If the dental arch is not crowded, extraction is not essential, but preventive extraction is recommended when oral hygiene is difficult.

When wisdom tooth extraction is needed

Cases in which wisdom tooth extraction is needed:

• First, when a wisdom tooth erupts crookedly and puts pressure on other teeth. In this case, the teeth in front may be pushed forward and the alignment may be damaged.

• Second, when inflammation develops around the wisdom tooth and causes pain.

• Third, when a wisdom tooth is partially erupted or lying sideways, making brushing difficult and creating a high risk of cavities.

However, if a wisdom tooth is straight and there is enough space around the adjacent teeth, there is no need to remove it unnecessarily.

In this case, it is important to manage the wisdom tooth well through regular dental checkups.

• Properly erupted wisdom tooth: If it has enough space, it does not need to be extracted.
• Crowded dental arch: It may push other teeth and damage alignment, so extraction is needed.
• Horizontally erupted wisdom tooth: It is caught between the tooth and the gum, and in this case extraction is unavoidable.

Wisdom teeth in positions that make oral hygiene difficult can easily trap food and develop tartar, so preventive extraction may be considered.

Advantages and disadvantages of wisdom tooth extraction

The biggest advantage of wisdom tooth extraction is that it can prevent potential dental problems. Removing a crooked wisdom tooth in advance can help prevent damage to the bite alignment and reduce the risk of inflammation or cavities.

On the other hand, a disadvantage of extraction is that pain and swelling may occur after the procedure. It also takes time for the extraction site to heal, and during that period, eating and daily life may be inconvenient. Therefore, it is best to decide whether to have the extraction after 충분히 discussing it with a dentist.

How to care for yourself after wisdom tooth extraction

Proper care after wisdom tooth extraction is essential for quick recovery and prevention of complications. First, because bleeding may not stop for 24 hours after the procedure, you should bite down on gauze. In addition, ice packs can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

You should eat soft foods and be careful not to irritate the extraction site. It is also recommended to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for about a week after the extraction. Until the extraction site heals, you should take proper care according to the dentist’s instructions.

When you do not need to remove wisdom teeth

If a wisdom tooth erupts straight and does not affect the surrounding teeth, there is no need to extract it unnecessarily. In this case, it is better to manage the wisdom tooth well so it can be used for a long time. It is important to check the condition of the wisdom tooth through regular dental checkups and, if necessary, follow the dentist’s advice.

Alternatives to wisdom tooth extraction

If wisdom tooth extraction is not unavoidable, you can consider other alternatives. For example, you can treat inflammation around the wisdom tooth or clean between the teeth well to prevent cavities. Also, following the dentist’s instructions and having regular scaling can help maintain dental health.

Things to consider before wisdom tooth extraction

When considering wisdom tooth extraction, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should receive a diagnosis from a dentist to determine exactly whether extraction is necessary. You should also consider how the recovery period after extraction will affect your daily life. Since there may be pain or discomfort for a certain period after the procedure, it is best to adjust your schedule accordingly.

In particular, lower wisdom teeth are close to the inferior alveolar nerve, so it is essential to check the distance between the nerve and the root through a CT scan. If this step is skipped, sensory disturbances in the lip or tongue may occur after extraction.

1. Nerve damage: especially caution is needed when extracting lower wisdom teeth
2. Blood vessel damage: risk of excessive bleeding
3. Infection: if proper care is not provided after extraction
4. Damage to surrounding teeth: possible damage to adjacent teeth during the extraction process
5. Temporomandibular joint problems: may occur if the mouth is kept open for a long time

To minimize these risks, it is recommended to get an accurate diagnosis using CT at an experienced dental clinic.

Daily life after wisdom tooth extraction

After having a wisdom tooth removed, there are a few precautions to follow in daily life.

First, it is important to get enough rest after the extraction. Also, be careful not to irritate the extraction site, eat soft foods when eating, visit the dentist regularly to check the recovery status, and receive additional treatment if needed.

Wisdom tooth extraction is an important issue that should be decided according to an individual’s dental condition and health. If a wisdom tooth erupts straight and causes no problems, there is no need to remove it unnecessarily, but if it erupts crookedly or becomes inflamed, extraction should be considered. After the procedure, recovery should be supported with proper care and according to the dentist’s instructions.