To Extract Or Not To Extract
There are many cases of third molars causing problems and dental professionals see them happening in their patients with overcrowded teeth. Studies have shown potential issues with impacted third molars and dentists may or may not recommend extraction.
Third molars have the potential to cause disease. In fact, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (or the AAOMS) states that links exist. It recommends that active monitoring is necessary when it comes to wisdom teeth that carry complications.
Many dentists will recommend tooth extraction if a wisdom tooth is impacted, if it causes pain and discomfort, or if it damages the neighboring tooth, or has the potential to cause damage to both teeth and jaw bone. If there are no symptoms of pain or swelling in an impacted tooth, your dentist cannot accurately say if the tooth will cause problems. Nonetheless, X-ray results may give clues regarding the angle of pathway of the third molar and how it may push against the adjacent tooth.
How do dentists manage and treat impacted third molars?
If the wisdom teeth erupt properly and fully, dentists often leave them alone, assured that they can be cleaned easily. If they erupt as impacted, many dentists and oral surgeons in the US suggest removing impacted wisdom teeth. It’s a preventive measure against tooth decay and gum disease.
There’s a 2021 study where under 30% of third molars were removed via extraction while more than 70% were removed with justifiable reasons. On the other hand, a 2017 study showed half of their cases that present no symptoms were referred for surgery; the other 36% received referrals for preventive purposes.
So it looks like patients have their wisdom teeth removed whether they are causing issues or not. It is still debatable, though, if asymptomatic molars should be pulled out. According to an AAOMS review, however, it is more likely that a wisdom tooth will cause a worsened periodontal status than a tooth that will not have one.
Helping You Decide on Your Wisdom Teeth in Issaquah
If you are having issues with your third molars, come see us at Meadow Creek Dental. Let your Issaquah dentist assist you in decision-making regarding problematic wisdom teeth.
