Dr. Kami Hoss: Is wisdom tooth removal always necessary?

Post date: Apr 27, 2020 6:55:26 PM

Many people get their wisdom teeth removed later in life. However, there are those who end up getting their wisdom teeth taken out during their late teens or early 20s. On the other hand, there are people who don't get their wisdom teeth removed at all. Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, explains when it's necessary to extract wisdom teeth.

According to Dr. Hoss, removal is the solution if the third molars are affecting the alignment of other teeth. An impacted molar can lead to pain as well as teeth and gum problems. Dentists can suggest having the wisdom tooth removed when they see how it could affect other teeth through oral x-ray. In cases where the teeth are at risk of crowding, a dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal before installing braces or other dental appliance to ensure that there won't be any hindrances to the treatment.

On the other hand, wisdom tooth removal won't be necessary if the teeth are fully erupted. This means that they have grown properly and are set in the right place. Dentists can usually see this in the person's bite. If the teeth are healthy and not causing any discomfort, Dr. Kami Hoss says that one shouldn't be worried about removing them.

To prevent complications later on, it's best to check with a dentist or a dental surgeon and find out if an extraction procedure is necessary. If one is experiencing pain in the back of the mouth or jaw area, seeking the recommendation of a dental professional is necessary to prepare one for possible tooth removal.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists. Read more on this blog.