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wiseoldowl

Must I have my wisdom teeth removed?

I had my wisdom teeth (bottom) out several years ago - and still need to have my top ones removed. They do not bother me very often. The top ones are almost in - they break through the surface and then retreat - but have never fully arrived. Occasionally, if I get food stuck in them, they will be sore for a week or so...is there any harm in leaving them alone ... or is this something I should take care of sooner than later?
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Mark Tripp DDS
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There is no urgent need for you to have the upper wisdom teeth removed. If you are having episodic discomfort with them and they are beginning to erupt it is very likely that they will need to be extracted at some point in the future. Since the opposing teeth have been extracted the uppers will be non-functional if they do erupt. At that point they become a bacteria trap for you and are difficult to keep clean and maintain. One argument for having them removed sooner than later is the ability to heal quicker and with less complications. Also, I find with my patients that the post operative healing phase is easier for upper wisdom teeth than lower wisdom teeth.
 

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Christian T Yaste DDS
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I agree with Dr. Tripp. Although there is no urgent need to have them extracted immediately, it is likely that it will be in your best interest to have them removed sooner than later. When the teeth have broken through the gum tissue and your saliva, food, bacteria, etc. have access to them that's when it becomes more of a concern. It is difficult for most people to keep the areas around the wisdom teeth clean. Also, as Dr. Tripp mentioned, it is usually easier to have the top wisdom teeth removed and recovery time can be fairly quick.
 

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