Almost every oral and maxillofacial surgeon advocates the extraction of healthy third molars (wisdom teeth), preferably in adolescence when the roots are not fully formed yet.
However, there is a whole different school of thought that objects the extractions of healthy teeth. Jay W. Friedman, a retired general dentist and a consultant, authored an article that was published in the American Journal of Public Health and dispelled some of the myths surrounding wisdom teeth extractions.
The Reason Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Most often the removed teeth are classified as impactions. This means that they have not erupted yet and are fully or partially embedded and covered by jawbone or gum tissue. Dentists recommending the removals argue that there is not enough space for the eruption, and that the teeth will cause medical complications if left in situ.
BUT it turns out there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, far more complications result from the actual surgery than from the wisdom teeth themselves. We need to be aware that third-molar surgery is a multibillion-dollar industry, so there are many people who benefit if this questionable practice continues.
Why You Should Keep Your Wisdom Teeth
Dr. Friedman explains that half of the upper third molars recommended for surgery are in fact normally developing teeth and will eventually erupt. They should not be classified as impactions in the first place. Wisdom teeth have their function in the body, or they wouldn’t be there. They are important for the chewing process and add to the biting surfaces.
- Only about 12% of (truly) impacted wisdom teeth are connected with conditions such as cysts and damage to the adjacent teeth. Infections, treatable with antibiotics, oil pulling and oral rinsing, occur in fewer than 10% of all wisdom teeth. These figures are comparable to pathology associated with appendix. Yet, there are no mass preventative appendix removals.
- Most people believe that their wisdom teeth will move other teeth and cause overcrowding and overlapping. However, third molars do not posses sufficient force to move other teeth.
There are Serious Side Effects For Removal of the Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removals result in a lot of discomfort, pain and swelling. Moreover, they can sometimes cause serious complications, including:
- permanent paresthesia (numbness of the cheek, lips and tongue).
- broken jaws and fractured teeth.
Some of the complications can have long-term consequences and not many patients are informed of these.
Dr. Friedman concludes that about two thirds of all wisdom teeth removals in the U.S. are unnecessary. He even views the extractions as a public health hazard due to the complications that result from them. In his opinion, only teeth that have a pathologic condition or a specific problem should be removed. The British NHS (National Health Service) adopted a policy that reflects this view. The practice of unnecessary removal of pathology-free impacted third molars is being discontinued across the UK.
Don’t be persuaded into rushed prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth. Seek a second opinion, get informed, and remember that most wisdom teeth can actually be left how they are.
Why You Should Use Oil Pulling
When I’ve written in the past about natural dental issues such as dental care tips, teeth whitening and gum infection, I’ve always received numerous of comments about people who use oil pulling for oral hygiene. People who practice oil pulling absolutely swear by the great benefits oil pulling has done to their oral health, such as brightening their teeth, treating bleeding gums and gingivitis. You can read about the amazing health benefits of oil pulling and how to do it.
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