Wisdom Teeth

Most of us have our wisdom teeth removed when we turn 18 years old. It is not however necessary for everyone to undergo this procedure. Those who require the surgery have wisdom teeth that are impacted under the jaw bone. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, if people do not have the wisdom teeth surgically removed they run the risk of developing periodontal disease which may lead to "coronary-artery disease, stroke, kidney problems, diabetes and obstetric complications, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons."

Many people do not have impacted wisdom teeth and may be able to avoid the surgery by simply having regular dental checkups. The downside for them is there exists the chance that their teeth may continue to grow into their twenties and the tooth becomes more embedded in the bone while the bone hardens. This can mean a more difficult and painful surgery later on in life.

People need to consider the pros and cons of the extraction surgery. Although it can be a painful process that puts one out of a commission for about a week, there will at least be no chance of developing periodontal disease or the risk of a later more complicated surgery.

Source: www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0120_health1_r_djan20,0,3717404.story