If you go to the dentist because one of your wisdom teeth is playing up, then you probably expected that the tooth would be extracted. If you know anything about wisdom teeth, you know that these teeth sometimes cause problems that are hard to fix and that are more easily managed with an extraction.
However, you may not have expected your dentist to tell you that you should have all of your wisdom teeth removed at the same time even though only one of them is giving you problems now. Why does your dentist want to do this?
Your Dentist Sees the Teeth Better Than You
Wisdom teeth are hidden right at the back of your mouth. You know they're there, but you can't see them to check them over. Your dentist has a clearer view of these teeth.
Dentists don't extract teeth for no reason. So, your dentist may see a problem with your other wisdom teeth or may think that you are likely to have problems with them in the future. If this happens, your dentist thinks it's easier just to take all your wisdom teeth out now before the other teeth kick off.
Your Dentist Wants to Head Problems Off Early
Wisdom teeth can be problematic. These teeth often don't erupt straight or completely. They don't have a lot of space when they do come through, which can cause problems for other teeth close to them.
Sometimes, your dentist wants to extract wisdom teeth because you're having problems keeping them clean. It's hard to get at these teeth with a toothbrush. If they haven't come through straight, then they may hold on to bits of food that you don't know are there and can't clean out.
This can lead to plaque and decay. If your dentist thinks that you can't keep your teeth clean, they're more likely to take them out before they get badly decayed and start hurting or damaging the teeth next to them.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, then they haven't come through all the way or haven't come through in the right position. Over time, an impacted wisdom tooth is also more likely to have problems with decay. It may also push against other teeth, putting them under stress and forcing them to move out of their positions.
Rather than see you in pain in the future or have to deal with more widespread damage that affects other teeth, your dentist may simply think that it's better to take all your wisdom teeth out at once. To find out more, ask your dentist to explain exactly what is going on with your wisdom teeth.
