Contrary to popular belief, it is not always necessary to get wisdom teeth removed! As with many aspects of oral health, a range of factors will play into whether or not Dr. Chiu will recommend extracting wisdom teeth.
Here are three reasons why you might be able to keep all that wisdom in the back of your mouth:
1. The stars (and your teeth) align: If your wisdom teeth have enough space in the jaw and are properly aligned, allowing for proper cleaning and maintenance, your wisdom teeth may be functional and healthy and won’t necessarily require removal.
2. Healthy eruptions with no symptoms: One of the most common reasons for removing wisdom teeth is the knock-on effects that they can cause upon eruption, such as crowding your other teeth. But if your wisdom teeth are erupting without causing any issues or symptoms, such as pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, taking them out may not be necessary.
3. Good oral hygiene and maintenance: If you have an effective routine of oral hygiene, including thorough brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, that can increase your chances of not needing your wisdom teeth removed. Good oral hygiene can help prevent decay, gum disease, and other potential problems associated with impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Of course, every case is unique. The decision to remove your wise guys should be made after a thorough examination and discussion with the Chiu Dental team.