Once upon a time, wisdom teeth were an evolutionary advantage. Before proper dental care and hygiene, the rough diet of our ancient ancestors caused excessive wear on their teeth. People lost teeth regularly throughout the first few decades of their lives, so having some backups — the third molars — come in later was beneficial. But the average human mouth can only fit 28 teeth comfortably, and since most people are now able to keep all their teeth throughout their lifetime, four extra teeth showing up in your early 20s can be problematic. Because wisdom teeth are prone to becoming impacted, which can lead to pain, infection, and illness, wisdom tooth extraction is a common practice. But is it always needed? Some argue that if the third molars fit comfortably in a patient’s mouth and do not pose a threat to their health, then extraction would subject patients to expensive, painful, and completely unnecessary surgery. Even if a patient’s third molars do not become impacted, cause pain or damage to nearby teeth, lead to infection of the surrounding soft tissue, or form cysts or tumors, there is still the risk of maintenance. Due to their location in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are harder to clean. Without proper brushing or flossing, third molars can start to decay, allowing plaque to become tartar and leading to gum
disease, which can result in other systemic health problems.
Another thing to keep in mind is the danger of removing wisdom teeth later in life. Researchers from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Bochum Medical School in Germany evaluated the perioperative mortality of wisdom tooth extraction surgery in older patients. They found that patients over the age of 65 needed more antithrombotic agents, had higher rates of ankylosis and nerve proximity, and showed significantly more intraoperative and postoperative complications. These same patients needed longer operations and remained in the hospital for longer periods of time when compared to patients between the ages of 15 and 20. It is not necessary for all patients to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Surgery should be recommended on a case-by-case basis. However, even if wisdom teeth are not a problem today, dentists need to look at what problems their patients could face in the future. If your patient still has their third molars and you could use a second opinion, give Dr. Linsky and Dr. Graffeo a call at 203-614-8355 or 914-251-0313. They have experience in working with general dentists and orthodontists to develop the right treatment plan for their patients.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Always Necessary? Word to theWise
Watermelon SALAD
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INGREDIENTS This simple, delicious salad is the perfect summer refresher. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that will inspire rave reviews at your next summer cookout. DIRECTIONS
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● 8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes ● 1/4 cup fresh lime juice ● 1 pinch of cayenne pepper ● 1/2 cup mint leaves, torn
1. In a large mixing or salad bowl, toss watermelon with lime juice and cayenne pepper.
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2. Gently fold in mint leaves. 3. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Salt to taste
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Westchester Office • 914-251-0313
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