The Advantages of Keeping Wisdom Teeth Without Removal

Wisdom teeth, often considered extraneous or problematic, may actually offer some important advantages when left in place. If your jaw is too small to accommodate your wisdom teeth, which are impacted or crooked due to lack of space, there are valid reasons to reconsider the decision to surgically remove them.

Risks and Consequences of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal surgery is not without its risks. These include permanent nerve damage, leading to numbness or paralysis of parts of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 1% of removal procedures result in irreversible nerve damage. Furthermore, there are other risks and side effects, such as post-operative pain, infection, and difficulty in healing. Additionally, some rare but serious complications can lead to death.

Potential Benefits of Leaving Wisdom Teeth Intact

There is a theory that wisdom teeth serve a purpose by interacting with a jaw muscle bulge in the cheek. This bulge, referred to as the buccinator bulge, can press on the wisdom tooth like a rubber band. The interaction between the wisdom tooth and the cheek muscle creates a unique dynamic that might benefit the jaw's functionality and structure.

Pressure from Cheek Bulge:
When the jaw moves to the side, the wisdom tooth and jaw feel a pressure towards the center. This interaction could help maintain proper alignment and function of the jaw muscles. The presence of wisdom teeth may play a role in this dynamic, potentially providing a protective or supportive function.

Personal Experience and Emotional Impact

Personal anecdotes from those who have undergone wisdom tooth extraction often highlight the emotional and physical toll it can take. For instance, some report a loss of attractiveness and an aging appearance, possibly due to the alteration in facial structure and muscle dynamics caused by the removal. Additionally, many individuals experience a significant period of adjustment post-surgery, which can disrupt their daily lives and even lead to temporary crises.

From a personal perspective, wisdom tooth removal was deeply distressing. I felt a profound sense of dislocation and a complete disconnection from my life, making it hard to function. This sense of disruption aligns with the theory that the wisdom tooth and cheek muscle interaction has a natural, beneficial function in the body.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Always Necessary?

According to some studies, only about 20% of impacted wisdom teeth actually require removal. This means there is a high probability that your impacted wisdom tooth can stay in place without causing significant problems. However, it is important to consult with a dental professional to evaluate your specific situation.

Conclusion

While wisdom tooth removal is a common and often necessary procedure, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The natural interaction between the wisdom tooth and cheek muscle bulge could provide some unknown advantages in jaw function and even facial aesthetics. Avoiding surgery may help you preserve these natural benefits while reducing the risks associated with invasive procedures.

Attaching the Medical Images and Diagrams: MRI: Shows the bulges in the cheeks with their anatomical makeup, highlighting the ramus of the mandible (the upright part of the L-shaped lower jaw) and the bulge formed by the masseter muscle covered by the buccal fat pad, pushing through the buccinator muscle to appear as in the initial picture. Diagram: Illustrates the pressure dynamics between the wisdom tooth, the lower and upper jaw, and the cheek muscle bulge.