The wisdom of extracting the Wisdom Tooth
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Prof (Dr) Waikhom Robindro Singh
Contd from previous issue
* Before they damage the neighbouring tooth
In older folks, the decision for extraction of impacted wisdom teeth hinges on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s overall health and dental needs. Reasons why older folks might dodge extraction of impacted wisdom teeth:
· Often wisdom teeth don’t givea problem in their age group.
· Higher complications in older adults including impaired wound healing
· Other health factors in older adults may contraindicate surgery
The debate on removal of a wisdom tooth centres around whether it is necessary to remove an asymptomatic, disease-free wisdom tooth. According to some dentists these molars are not worth the trouble because they are the rebellious teenagers of your mouth, emerging late, causing more chaos than cheer, and leaving a trail of turmoil.
We need to explore the world of wisdom teeth extraction and uncover the plot twists! The simplicities of wisdom tooth extraction are often belied by a ple-thora of post-operative com- plications, ranging from the mundane to the recondite. While the majority of surgeries culminate in unevent- ful recovery, a significant minority succumb to an array of morbidities. We can be beset by the spectres of swelling, difficulty in opening the mouth, excessive bleeding and dysphasia. And in the rarefied realm of severe complications, we must confront the eventualities of jaw fracture, sinus perturbation, iatrogenic damage to the adjacent teeth, and the spectre of nerve damage with its attendant tingling and numbness.
Arguments for removal:
· Preventive measure against crowding of dentition, infection, cysts-tu- mours, gum disease, and damage to neighbouring teeth
· Earlier removal is considered safer and easier, with faster recovery times.
Arguments against removal:
· Lack of reliable evidence that it causes complications like overcrowding or unstable dentition, the risks of surgery and complications outweighing the benefits
· Rationality of “wait and see” approach
All being said, when it comes down to it, it is your personal dentist who has the playbook. Your dentist crafts a bespoke strategy, factoring your age, health, tooth positioning and symptoms. There is no “remove all” policy for wisdom tooth – just tailored wisdom.
PS The article is published as part of the oral health awareness programme related to the World Oral Health Day 2026 celebrations held under the auspices of the Dental College, RIMS
The writer is with Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental College, RIMS
Contd from previous issue
* Before they damage the neighbouring tooth
In older folks, the decision for extraction of impacted wisdom teeth hinges on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s overall health and dental needs. Reasons why older folks might dodge extraction of impacted wisdom teeth:
· Often wisdom teeth don’t givea problem in their age group.
· Higher complications in older adults including impaired wound healing
· Other health factors in older adults may contraindicate surgery
The debate on removal of a wisdom tooth centres around whether it is necessary to remove an asymptomatic, disease-free wisdom tooth. According to some dentists these molars are not worth the trouble because they are the rebellious teenagers of your mouth, emerging late, causing more chaos than cheer, and leaving a trail of turmoil.
We need to explore the world of wisdom teeth extraction and uncover the plot twists! The simplicities of wisdom tooth extraction are often belied by a ple-thora of post-operative com- plications, ranging from the mundane to the recondite. While the majority of surgeries culminate in unevent- ful recovery, a significant minority succumb to an array of morbidities. We can be beset by the spectres of swelling, difficulty in opening the mouth, excessive bleeding and dysphasia. And in the rarefied realm of severe complications, we must confront the eventualities of jaw fracture, sinus perturbation, iatrogenic damage to the adjacent teeth, and the spectre of nerve damage with its attendant tingling and numbness.
Arguments for removal:
· Preventive measure against crowding of dentition, infection, cysts-tu- mours, gum disease, and damage to neighbouring teeth
· Earlier removal is considered safer and easier, with faster recovery times.
Arguments against removal:
· Lack of reliable evidence that it causes complications like overcrowding or unstable dentition, the risks of surgery and complications outweighing the benefits
· Rationality of “wait and see” approach
All being said, when it comes down to it, it is your personal dentist who has the playbook. Your dentist crafts a bespoke strategy, factoring your age, health, tooth positioning and symptoms. There is no “remove all” policy for wisdom tooth – just tailored wisdom.
PS The article is published as part of the oral health awareness programme related to the World Oral Health Day 2026 celebrations held under the auspices of the Dental College, RIMS
The writer is with Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental College, RIMS