When Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

While estimates vary, the majority of people in the US get their wisdom teeth extracted. In most cases, a dentist removes all four, as opposed to just the top or bottom set. Here, we’ll look at not just why this is but why some people do get to keep their wisdom teeth in Foley, AL.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

There are two major reasons why people get their wisdom teeth extracted: positioning and spacing. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they have either not emerged from the gum line or they’ve only partially emerged from the gum line. The dentist will consider pulling them to reduce the risk of pain or complications affecting other teeth.

The other major issue is spacing. In some cases, your mouth simply can’t accommodate another tooth because it’s too small to allow for a comfortable fit. Whether you have an impaction or a spacing problem, an extraction can solve multiple problems at once. Not only will you free up space in your mouth, but you also don’t have to worry about future pain or even potential infections.

When You Can Keep Your Wisdom Teeth

Typically, you can keep your wisdom teeth if all four come in perfectly, and you don’t experience any pain or discomfort from them. (Partial eruptions may become painful later on, which is why a dentist in Foley may recommend extraction even if you’re not feeling any pain). Just keep in mind that if you do keep your wisdom teeth, they can be difficult to clean due to their positioning, and they may also push your remaining teeth toward the front over the years.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we’re here to both examine your teeth and recommend the best course of action, so you can make a better decision with all the facts in hand.