Hello, everyone! Dr. Baptiste here, your friendly neighborhood orthodontist, founder of Baptiste Orthodontics. Today, I want to tackle a common misconception that I often hear in my practice – the myths surrounding wisdom teeth.
For those who haven’t met me yet, wisdom teeth are simply your third molars. These teeth are the last to erupt in your mouth, and for many, there’s not enough room for them to fit comfortably. Contrary to popular belief, they are just like any other tooth in your mouth. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding them.
Do You Really Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The quick answer is no, not necessarily. But there are situations where removal is necessary.
A lot of people come to me wanting to remove their wisdom teeth because they’re concerned that they’ll shift the rest of their teeth out of place. This reminds me of my own experience, long before I knew much about dentistry. I remember my dentist recommending that I get my wisdom teeth removed to avoid crooked teeth. So, I dutifully went to the oral surgeon, and when he asked why I wanted them removed, I explained what my dentist had told me. He pointed to my X-rays and asked, “Do you think these four teeth can move 28 other teeth?”
And then, he pulled them.
The Truth About Wisdom Teeth and Teeth Shifting
When I went to dental school, we learned about studies showing that wisdom teeth do not cause other teeth to shift. Whether or not someone has their wisdom teeth, the amount of shifting is generally the same. The key factor is that wisdom teeth tend to erupt after many people have stopped wearing their retainers, which leads to the misconception that the eruption of wisdom teeth caused the shifting. In reality, it’s just a correlation, not causation.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
While wisdom teeth don’t typically cause shifting, there are times when extraction is necessary. Here are a few valid reasons to consider having them removed:
If they’re causing pain
If they’re impeding the eruption of other teeth
If there’s a cavity or other pathology
If they’re difficult to clean properly
As always, don’t hesitate to ask questions before making decisions about your dental care. Wisdom teeth aren’t always something to worry about, but if they’re causing problems, it’s important to address them.
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