Wisdom Teeth Removal: Myths and Facts You Need To Know

Ryan is a young man of 25 years. He has been one of our patients for the past 5 years. Recently when he came for his half-yearly checkup he seemed upset. Someone told him wisdom teeth have to be extracted and it is very painful. You might have heard this too. The truth is everyone need not have to get their wisdom teeth removed. A lot of myths are out there regarding wisdom teeth, their removal, extraction procedures, etc, like any other treatments or drugs. For example, a certain percentage of people are allergic to penicillin but that doesn’t imply that penicillin is an ineffective drug. Penicillin is still prescribed for treating various kinds of bacterial infections.

With the surge of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, the experience spread like wildfire. Many believe those to be true and turn anxious. Myths and rumors about wisdom teeth are also similar. Many of those are baseless and generated out of imagination. We believe it is our responsibility to clarify the myths on the third molars, popularly known as wisdom teeth.

The myths and facts you need to know about wisdom teeth removal, the existence of wisdom teeth, and issues related to wisdom teeth are elaborated in this article.

Myth 1 – You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth removal myth has been doing rounds for decades. A majority of people still think this is true. Wisdom teeth removal is not a fact but a myth only. You need not remove the third molars aka wisdom teeth. Somebody or a group of individuals who had faced problems with crowding of wisdom teeth may have constructed this myth.
The wisdom teeth may cause pain and discomfort in some cases.

• The unarranged third molar can cause damage in the jaw
  Gum issues
• Damage to the adjacent teeth
• Sinus problems
• Tooth decay is another reason for the removal of wisdom teeth 

That may require a dentist’s intervention. The dentist would examine the teeth and advise you on corrective actions. On the other hand, the third molars haven’t been problematic for many cases. Consult only an experienced dentist, to avoid unwarranted extraction of wisdom teeth.

You may note that even though wisdom teeth removal is not necessary, other problems associated with the teeth may demand the same.

Myth 2 – Every Adult has Wisdom Teeth

False. The people with wisdom teeth might have caused this myth. Wisdom teeth are not a common phenomenon. Not everyone has wisdom teeth. A few may find a pair of third molars coming out, the remaining may remain hidden inside the gum or may not exist. For some others, it may not appear at all.

It has been observed that wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted create problems for a few. Dental treatment or surgical measures would be mandatory in that case. Studies indicate that approximately 40% of people do not have wisdom teeth.

Myth 3 –Wisdom Teeth are very important for growth and development

This is not a fact. The wisdom teeth have the same function as any other teeth. However, the importance of the additional teeth has dropped over a period. Those were vital for crushing, chewing, and eating raw food items, which were hard to swallow. With time, human beings started cooking food to make it softer to chew. Consequently reducing the requirement of third molars.

Present-day scientists and evolutionists believe that wisdom teeth don’t have any purpose in the diet we follow nowadays. Since we have methods to soften hard food, cutlery to make into small pieces and make the food item easily consumable.

Myth 4 –You Can’t See Wisdom Teeth

No. You can see your wisdom teeth using the mirror but may not be able to see the cavity properly. A dentist usually takes an X-ray to detect the impacted tooth. Your dentist may suggest the removal of the impacted wisdom tooth to avoid gum infections and pain. Consult the best dentist in case you suspect any oral issue or you presume a problem connected with the wisdom teeth.

Myth 5 –Wisdom Teeth Removal may be Fatal

Wisdom teeth can be removed through normal surgery. It is not a risky one in a normal scenario. Ensure that you are consulting an experienced dental surgeon for dental treatment and dental extraction surgery. She/he will analyze the condition of the teeth, examine the overall oral condition and physical condition of the patient before deciding upon the surgery. The surgeon would observe the precautions accordingly to prevent any kind of issues or after-effects.

Most often, people create stories based on their personal experiences. The information about wisdom teeth extraction could be myths or facts, unless you consult a dentist or oral surgeon, it’s hard to clarify the issue. Do you suspect any issues with your wisdom teeth? Consult your dentist immediately.

As a leading dental clinic in Kochi, we use advanced equipment and treatment methods for all dental and oral problems. Reach out to us for any kind of dental or oral treatment.