What are the pro's and con's of getting your wisdom teeth out?

Answer 1

Here's one reason TO get them out...

http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/wizdk.jpg shows one reason. This is what can happen by the time you are 40 or 50 if you leave a wisdom tooth in place when it is impacted. The red arrows on the x-ray show the grey area that has decayed due to the wisdom tooth being present under the gum. The tooth shown is the exact same tooth shown in the x-ray, but turned so you can see the cavity. Food and bacteria can get down there and you can't clean it out. Eventually, it makes a cavity in the tooth next to the wisdom tooth and makes it so you have to have BOTH teeth removed.

Answer 2

I was one of the least-likely candidates for having mine removed.

My wisdom teeth came in beautifully. They came in straight, didn't impact into the other molars, and I only had two, anyway - both on top. My gums always seemed to hurt when they came in, but I actually fixed that many times by kinda chewing on my own fingers (not fingernails - actual fingers). It was my way of teething.

But after having them for a few years, I started to notice my two front teeth "clicked" now and then. It was really weird, and annoyed the living you-know-what out of me. I also lost a filling on a molar, and broke a pre-molar. Sucker split right down the middle when I bit on something, and "buckled" leaving the broken pieces overlapping.

Then it finally hit me. I had once had a very small gap between my two front teeth. It had disappeared slowly, so I never noticed it. But after that clicking started, I couldn't even get dental floss up between them.

Even though my wisdom teeth had completely broken through my gums and had been there for at least 2 years, my mouth wasn't big enough for them. They were pushing ALL of my teeth closer together, causing my two front teeth to buckle (the clicking sound was from movement against each other), and crushing the molar that had the filling, and the pre-molar that I broke (which happen to be on opposite sides, both on top). What seemed like completely harmless wisdom teeth, turned out to do more damage than originally anticipated.

Ever since having them removed, I no longer have the clicking, and I've actually developed less cavities. I can actually get down in between all of my teeth and clean them again.

So while they may come in just fine at first, there is no real harm in having them removed. However, not doing it can leave you with two crowns, like I have now.

Answer 3

Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth out. They only need to if they are growing in towards your molars. They say if it is not broken don't fix it. Xrays will be able to show if you need to have them out or not. The cons are if they need to they can move your teeth horribly, and some might just grow in naturally and fit right in even if they hurt for a week it could stop if you can bear it. You might not want to take a chance if braces were worn previously. See the oral surgeon.

Answer 4

sometimes if your wisdom teeth are angled strangely they can start pushing your other teeth out of alignment, and causing damage to them. Another thing is that you can get gum problems and decay on your wisdom teeth if they are too far back for you to keep clean, thus causing very bad tooth aches. Some people wait till they cause a problem...cause somethimes but rarely it's perfectly fine to leave them alone.

Answer 5

If you must have them extracted, it's best to have it done when you are younger.

I had 2 were extracted. The older you are, the more complicated the surgery and likelihood for problems .The extraction was BRUTAL. A nerve was nicked in my jaw and a part of my lip and some of my teeth are permanently tingly/sensitive.

Do not let this deter you. If you are recommended to get an extraction, do it.

Answer 6

If you have room in your mouth (most people don't) keep them!

If no room, your teeth will get all messed up and pushed around.

The pain and swelling after the op. won't last more than a few days. Not really any cons other than that (except the $$$!)

Answer 7

i quit smoking after having all of my wisdom teeth taken out at the same time. cool beans!

Answer 8

Pro's
-your teeth will stay straight
-better smile
-less pain


Con's
-teeth shifting
-jaw problems
-painful surgery
-swelling

Answer 9

Pro: less teeth, less crowding, unnecessary
Con: expense of removing them, prone to cavities,

Answer 10

if they are impacted or unimpeded get them out. Sooner than later because they can cause a lot of damage or abscess....

the worst part is the pain, but its only temporary