All wisdom teeth should be removed

Commonly Recognized Point of View

The mainstream perspective is that wisdom teeth should only be removed if they cause problems such as pain, infection, or crowding. This view is based on the idea that unnecessary surgical procedures should be avoided due to the risks and costs associated with surgery.

The Statement

All wisdom teeth should be removed. This bold stance challenges the conventional wisdom. The human jaw has evolved and no longer has enough space for these vestigial teeth. Their presence often leads to complications like impaction, infection, and misalignment. Even if they are not causing immediate problems, they can lead to issues in the future. For instance, John, a 25-year-old man, had to undergo emergency surgery due to an infected impacted wisdom tooth. He had no prior symptoms, and the issue was only discovered during a routine dental check-up.

Terms

• Wisdom Teeth - The third molars in the dental arch. They are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Example: Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.

• Impaction - A condition where a tooth is blocked from fully erupting. This can be due to lack of space in the mouth or the angle at which the tooth is growing. Example: Jane's lower wisdom tooth was impacted, causing her severe pain and leading to an infection.

• Infection - Invasion of the body's tissue by disease-causing agents. In the context of wisdom teeth, this can occur if the teeth are not properly cleaned or if they are impacted. Example: Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections in the mouth, especially around partially erupted wisdom teeth.

An Analogy

Having wisdom teeth is like owning an old, broken-down car in your garage. It takes up valuable space, can cause problems if not maintained, and serves no practical purpose. Just as it's often better to remove the old car to make room for something new, it's often better to remove wisdom teeth to prevent future dental issues.

A Main Misconception

Many people believe that if their wisdom teeth aren't causing pain, they don't need to be removed. However, silent problems like slow tooth decay or gum disease can occur without noticeable symptoms. Just as a car can have underlying mechanical issues even if it seems to run fine, wisdom teeth can have underlying issues even if they aren't causing pain.

The History

The practice of removing wisdom teeth began in the late 18th century when dental surgery became more sophisticated. Over time, as our understanding of oral health has evolved, the debate over the necessity of wisdom teeth removal has continued. Some cultures and countries, such as South Korea, have a high rate of prophylactic wisdom teeth removal, while others, like the UK, only recommend removal if there are specific issues.

Three Cases How to Use it Right Now

1. Preventive Care: Removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems can save you from future pain and complications. For example, a teenager might have their wisdom teeth removed before they start college to avoid potential issues while they are away from home.

2. Orthodontic Reasons: If you're getting braces, removing wisdom teeth can prevent future crowding and maintain the alignment of your teeth. For example, an adult getting braces might have their wisdom teeth removed to ensure there is enough space for the other teeth to move into the correct positions.

3. Infection Prevention: If you have poor oral hygiene, removing wisdom teeth can prevent potential infections or decay. For example, a person who struggles with regular brushing and flossing might choose to have their wisdom teeth removed to reduce the risk of hard-to-reach wisdom teeth becoming decayed.

Interesting Facts

1. Wisdom teeth are called so because they usually appear between ages 17-25, a period referred to as the "age of wisdom".

2. Not everyone has wisdom teeth; about 45% of a sampled population do not have wisdom teeth.

3. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries.

4. Some people may have more than four wisdom teeth, a condition known as supernumerary teeth.

5. The record for the most wisdom teeth belongs to a man in India, who had 37 wisdom teeth removed.