Wisdom Teeth Removal: What are the health benefits?

Patients who have their wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon may gain a number of health benefits from undergoing the procedure. Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risk of oral infections and abscesses, which can access the bloodstream and spread elsewhere in the body, as well as other issues like cysts and tumors, dental pain and damage to surrounding teeth as the impacted molars continue to try to erupt into the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also negate the results of years of orthodontic treatment, as the teeth may crowd to accommodate the large third molars.

To prevent these health consequences, many patients choose to have impacted wisdom teeth removed proactively before any issues develop. The procedure in which the oral surgeon extracts impacted wisdom teeth is performed in an outpatient setting, and most patients can resume their normal routines in a matter of days.

Ideally, patients should have their wisdom teeth removed by the time they reach their mid-twenties. The procedure is less complex and produces more predictable results, as well as shorter healing timeframes in younger patients. However, older patients may also be candidates for wisdom tooth removal. Check with your surgeon about the considerations in your case.

While wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure performed on millions of patients each year, any surgical procedure is associated with risks. Your surgeon will thoroughly review these risks with you in advance of your procedure, as well as giving you instructions about how to prepare for the surgery and what steps you can take to reduce risks of complications, such as dry sockets or infection. You may need to make minor adjustments to your diet and activity in the days immediately following the extraction so that the healing process is not interrupted.

To learn more about the health benefits of wisdom teeth removal, contact our office to schedule a consultation or speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members!