19 Jul Is the removal of eights necessary?
Eight, or wisdom teeth, as they are commonly called, are molars that erupt most often between the ages of 17 and 25 (although not in everyone; they can also appear at much later stages of life) as the last in the dental arch. Modern humans do not really need them. In the past, they were essential for biting and chewing food, which was mainly consumed in its raw form. Nowadays, most of the food consumed is processed, so they do not fulfil such an important function. Consequently, many people wonder whether it is necessary to remove the eights. There is no single answer to such a question. It all depends on the individual case. If there are clear indications for extraction, it should be done. However, if the patient does not suffer from any complaints related to the wisdom teeth, removal is not necessary.
Indications for extraction of eights
Eighths do not have any important function in the dentition, which is why it is often thought that they should be removed. According to experts, if their appearance does not cause any inconvenience, it is not necessary. However, there are some indications for extraction of wisdom teeth.
One of the most common problems that patients come to the dental practice with is inflammation in the area of the eights and associated pain. In justified cases, the doctor may recommend the procedure. The procedure may also be implemented when the location of the teeth prevents them from being properly cleaned, which in turn may increase the risk of caries within the eights and neighbouring teeth. Then, too, the dentist may recommend that the patient undergo an extraction procedure. Also teeth that do not fit into the dental arch and pressing on the others, should be preemptively removed.
Extraction is performed in the case of retained eights. This includes the abnormal eruption direction of the wisdom teeth, e.g. an eighth that is retained in the bone and tilted backwards, or an eighth that is partially erupted from the bone and positioned horizontally. The following may also be indications for the removal of wisdom teeth planned orthodontic treatment.
Consequences of retained or abnormally erupted wisdom teeth
In some cases, the process of eruption of the eights can cause serious pain, inflammation, as well as problems with proper bite or performing hygiene procedures. This is largely due to the fact that the jaw of modern people is much smaller compared to the size of the jaws of our ancestors. Sometimes the eights do not fit in the jaw and are pressing on the remaining teeth, sometimes even leading to their crowding and displacement.
Retained teeth very often cause severe temporomandibular pain, including those that may contribute to frequent headaches. In such cases, extraction is performed prophylactically to eliminate the risk of cysts, mandibular fractures or resorption of adjacent teeth.
