[Health Column] Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Should You Get It Pulled Out Even If It Doesn't Pain? A Complete Guide to Extraction Criteria by Type

 

hello. Director Jae-wook Jeong of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic no see.

 

Wisdom teeth, located at the very back of the mouth, often cause deep worry about whether or not to have them extracted, just as much as the pain when they erupt.

 

Wisdom teeth are not simply a matter of removing a single tooth, An important process of managing 'potential risks' to overall oral health no see.

 

today Types of wisdom teeth, extraction criteria, and the risks of leaving them untreated Let's take a closer look at this.

 

 

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1. What shape are your wisdom teeth growing in? ?

👋 It is divided into 4 main types depending on the jawbone space and gum condition. .

 

The way wisdom teeth grow varies from person to person, but they can be broadly classified into four types.

 

✔️ Normal eruption

 

It is positioned to grow straight up vertically, just like the other molars.

 

If there is enough space, the fit is good, and it is kept clean, you do not necessarily have to pull it out.

 

✔️ Partially Ambush

 

Only the crown of the tooth is slightly visible, and the rest is covered by the gums.

 

It is very easy for food to get stuck, so there is a very high chance of inflammation.

 

✔️ Complete ambush

 

It is completely buried within the gum bone.

 

Even if it is not visible on the outside, regular checkups are essential because cysts can form or bone resorption can occur internally.

 

✔️ Horizontal (impacted wisdom tooth)

 

It lies completely sideways and grows toward the roots of the front molars.

 

Press on the front teeth The main culprit that twists teeth It is.

 

 

 

📌 A word from the Director! 

In order to know exactly what condition my wisdom tooth is in

It is most accurate to have an X-ray taken at a dental clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Is it okay to just leave a painless wisdom tooth alone? ?

👋 Even if there is no immediate pain, you should consider extraction if there is a hidden 'potential risk'. .

 

Many people ask, "Why extract it when it doesn't hurt?" However, leaving abnormally grown wisdom teeth untreated can lead to the following problems.

 

⚠️ Domino Cavities : Because of food stuck between the wisdom tooth and the front molar Even healthy molars will decay along with it.

⚠️ Tooth misalignment : Wisdom teeth growing horizontally can push against the front teeth, causing the teeth alignment that was carefully corrected to become misaligned again.

⚠️ Chronic inflammation and bad breath : As food particles decompose, they cause terrible bad breath and gum disease, and in severe cases, can even dissolve surrounding bone.

 

Of course, if your wisdom tooth grows in properly and does not affect the adjacent teeth, you do not need to have it extracted.

 

However, if management is difficult, a 'management plan for the future' is necessary.

 

 

 

 

3. When is the best time to decide on wisdom tooth extraction? ?

👋 Check the recommended action guide based on the condition. 

classification	Major status	Recommended measures
tooth extraction is mandatory	Recurring pain, swollen gums, cavities in front molars, discovery of a cyst in the jawbone	Extract the tooth as soon as possible
Follow-up observation	Erupted properly and well cared for, deeply embedded in the bone with no effect on surrounding teeth.	Regular X-ray checkups

 

  

 

 

❓ FAQ

 

Q1. How should I choose a hospital for wisdom tooth extraction? ?

A1. Check just three things! Since they are often adjacent to the jaw nerve A skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon Whether there is, Precision equipment such as 3D CT Whether it is equipped with, and Same-day extraction and aftercare It is a good idea to check if it is systematic.

 

Q2. I'm worried my face will swell a lot after the extraction.

A2. Although there are individual differences, swelling is usually most severe during the 48 hours after extraction.

During this period Ice pack If you do this consistently, it will be of great help in reducing swelling.

 

Q3. The pain is very scary. Is it manageable? ?

A3. Recently Painless anesthesia system or sedation anesthesia We are minimizing pain through the back.

If you take the prescribed medication properly and pay attention to applying cold compresses, you can recover without much discomfort.

 

 

 

📝 conclusion

 

Careful selection and regular checkups are the answer!

 

Not all wisdom teeth necessarily have to be extracted.

 

but Inconvenience in daily life or potential risks If this exists, it must be checked.

 

Rather than making a decision blindly Consultation with skilled medical professionals through Management methods that suit me I hope you find it.

 

 

Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Director Jeong Jae-wook

Ministry of Health and Welfare Prosthodontics Specialist

Graduate of Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry

Yonsei University Sinchon Severance Hospital Intern , Completed Prosthodontics Residency

Certified and Regular Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Excellent member

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

jeon ) Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

jeon ) Served as Representative Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

hyeon ) Board of Directors of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics , Specialist Committee · Academic Affairs Committee

hyeon ) Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) Director of Academic Planning

 

 

 

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If you would like to check the causes of bad breath and your oral condition in more detail with Director Jae-wook Jeong of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic >

 

 

 

This column was written with reference to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Information Portal and related oral health information materials.