7 Benefits Of Keeping Wisdom Teeth That You Should Know

Did you know that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed? Many people believe that wisdom teeth always cause problems, but that is not true for everyone. In fact, keeping your wisdom teeth can have surprising benefits.

From increasing tooth strength to maintaining jaw alignment, there are unique reasons to consider preserving your teeth. Before you decide to have your teeth extracted, it’s important to understand the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth.

Let’s explore seven potential benefits and why they’re worth keeping for your long-term dental health.

7 Surprising Benefits of Retaining Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can be functionally and structurally helpful if they are normal, properly aligned, and asymptomatic. Let’s take a closer look at these seven benefits.

1. Provides an additional chewing surface

Proper placement of wisdom teeth distributes chewing forces evenly, reducing stress on the jaw and gum areas.

Proper positioning not only helps the digestive process, but also helps gradually strengthen the jaw muscles.

2. Acts as a backup for missing teeth

Wisdom teeth can save you in unexpected situations. If you lose your molars due to decay or injury, wisdom teeth can help replace them.

For example, dentists often reposition wisdom teeth to fill gaps left by missing teeth. This is more affordable and natural than dental implants. Wisdom teeth provide functionality while maintaining a seamless tooth appearance.

3. Maintain jawbone density

Wisdom tooth extraction can affect the health of your jawbone. When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone often shrinks due to lack of stimulation.

You can prevent this problem by keeping your wisdom teeth. The roots of these teeth keep the jawbone active and dense. This is especially beneficial for older adults because bone density in the jaw naturally decreases with age.

4. Supports natural tooth alignment

Are you concerned about teeth shifting as you age? Healthy wisdom teeth help keep everything in the correct position.

When wisdom teeth grow properly, they fill in gaps at the back of your mouth. This arrangement prevents adjacent teeth from shifting. Without this support, teeth can shift, creating crowding and gaps.

5. Reduce the risk of unnecessary surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction is not without risks. Unnecessary surgery can lead to nerve damage, infection, and complications.

Retaining your wisdom teeth means avoiding these risks while preserving your natural teeth.

6. Cost reduction

Wisdom tooth extraction can be quite expensive. The average price for a total removal under anesthesia is more than $1,000.

If you keep your wisdom teeth, you won’t have to worry about such onerous expenses. Furthermore, even if you suffer complications from a procedure such as a tooth extraction, there is no need for follow-up procedures such as dentures or implants.

7. Helps maintain natural oral function

Wisdom teeth play an important role in the proper balance of a person’s mouth. It evenly supports the load of mastication and provides overall support for all functions around the mouth.

Wisdom teeth are advantageous for people who are physically active or prone to accidents. If there is any damage to the front teeth, these final molars can assist the patient with normal chewing functions until the front teeth have been repaired.

Reasons to keep wisdom teeth

Retaining wisdom teeth can be beneficial, but only in certain situations. Here are some cases where it is safe and recommended to keep:

• Teeth are fully erupted and aligned.

• There’s enough chin space to accommodate them.

• The gums around the teeth are healthy and free of infection.

• Teeth have no cavities or cavities.

• You maintain good oral hygiene habits.

• Your dentist believes there is no risk of future complications.

Potential risks of retaining wisdom teeth

Although there are benefits to retaining wisdom teeth, it is not without its challenges. Here are some potential complications to consider.

• Difficult cleaning increases the risk of tooth decay.

• Infection of the gums due to trapped food particles.

• Difficulty flossing between wisdom teeth and adjacent molars.

• The possibility of a cyst forming around an impacted tooth.

• If it is partially erupted, it puts pressure on the surrounding teeth.

• If your upper wisdom teeth grow close to your sinuses, you will have problems with your sinuses.

• Sensitivity due to tooth root exposure.

Tips for maintaining healthy wisdom teeth

Keeping your wisdom teeth requires consistent care. Follow these tips to stay healthy.

• Brush carefully twice a day, focusing on the back of your mouth.

• Use a toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent cavities.

• Floss around your wisdom teeth to remove any food particles.

• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to fight germs.

• Avoid sweet foods that promote tooth decay.

• Drink plenty of water to wash away particles.

• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

• If you experience pain or swelling, report it to your dentist immediately.

final thoughts

Wisdom teeth don’t always have to be removed! Proper care can provide many benefits, from supporting jawbone health to saving money on dental costs. To decide what’s best for you, talk to your dentist and consider the benefits of wisdom tooth retention mentioned in this article.

Please share this valuable information with your friends and family so they can make informed choices. After all, maintaining your natural teeth is a lifelong investment in your oral health.

Still not sure if keeping your wisdom teeth is the right choice for you? Schedule your dental exam today.

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