Why wisdom teeth need to be removed

Wisdom teeth, commonly known as "eights," typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 25 and can be a real challenge for many. They often cause severe pain, damage gums and cheeks, harm adjacent teeth, and even lead to bite misalignment. This is why the question of whether to extract these molars remains relevant and requires a well-considered decision by an experienced doctor.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

In our evolutionary past, third molars were necessary for chewing coarse, tough food when other teeth wore down quickly from excessive use. Today, our diet is softer and requires less chewing, so the need for "eights" has significantly decreased. Furthermore, as our jaws have become narrower over time, there is often not enough space for wisdom teeth, which is why they frequently erupt incorrectly, leading to complications.

However, if third molars do not cause problems, they can be considered useful. They can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and, in certain bite cases, are necessary for the proper functioning of the dental system.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

There are several indications for which the removal of wisdom teeth is recommended:

• the "eight" is tilted toward the cheek or tongue, causing injury to the oral mucosa and altering the bite;
• the tooth is positioned horizontally, where pressure on it causes severe pain and significant discomfort;
• the third molar is destroyed by decay, making therapeutic treatment impossible and posing a risk of infection spreading to adjacent teeth;
• there is insufficient space in the jaw, causing the eruption of wisdom teeth to trigger pain, gum inflammation (pericoronitis), and bite issues;
• pressure caused by the "eight" during its growth phase is transmitted to the entire dental arch, shifting previously erupted teeth from their natural positions;
• due to the change in tooth position caused by the third molar, the movement of the lower jaw during maximum closure is altered, which leads to joint dysfunction, inflammation, and pain.

Patients requiring implants or braces are also advised to have their "eights" removed. The extra space makes it easier for the doctor to place an implant, and when using braces, the dental arch will reach its correct position more quickly.

Treating wisdom teeth

Should you treat or extract wisdom teeth? To answer this question, Symmetrica experts use full digital diagnostics (FDD), which is central to our treatment process.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend saving and restoring a third molar instead of extraction. For example, in the early stages of decay, an "eight" can be restored, but in cases of deep lesions or pulpitis, therapy is complicated by winding root canals.

Based on the experience and clinical observations of Symmetrica doctors, wisdom teeth are the cause of many functional problems. All compromise measures to save them often lead to complications that are difficult to resolve in the long term. That is why specialists at the Symmetrica dental center make decisions on an individual basis following full digital diagnostics and an assessment of the prospects for saving the molar.

What is the best way to have wisdom teeth removed?

Before removing problematic teeth, the dentist needs a clear and accurate picture of their positioning. This is especially important when wisdom teeth are completely hidden beneath the gums. To diagnose this, Symmetrica experts perform:

• an oral examination;
• a medical history review;
• a computed tomography (CT) scan.

The examination helps determine whether the wisdom teeth need to be removed and the best way to perform the procedure. The surgeon assesses the complexity of the extraction, as this is a key factor in planning the intervention. At the Symmetrica Dental Restoration Center, there are about six main extraction options (corresponding to nine price list items) that account for various clinical situations.

Depending on the overall clinical picture and the presence of accompanying symptoms, the removal of a third molar can be simple or complex. That is why it is important to entrust the examination to a professional.

Features of a simple extraction:

• used when the tooth is growing without anomalies;
• the doctor administers anesthesia, extracts the molar, and packs the socket;
• if necessary, stitches are applied to the wound;
• the procedure takes 10-20 minutes.

Complex wisdom tooth extraction:

• used for deep positioning, destruction of the tooth crown, or complex root systems;
• the doctor administers anesthesia, makes an incision in the gum, and removes the molar;
• the socket is checked for fragments, treated, and sutured;
• the surgical intervention takes from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on individual anatomy and the presence of complications).

After the tooth is removed, the patient receives detailed instructions on wound care. Strictly following these recommendations is key to preventing complications and ensuring quick healing.

When patients come to Symmetrica to have their wisdom teeth removed, our specialists act with care and precision. First, the clinical case is assessed and a full digital diagnostic (FDD) (active link) is performed. The patient receives detailed information on why wisdom teeth are removed and how the procedure is carried out. If necessary, a safe and effective treatment plan is developed, after which a date is scheduled for wisdom tooth extraction.