With over 10 million wisdom teeth extracted annually in the United States, wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure. Yet, many patients find themselves uncertain about their next steps when told their wisdom teeth need to come out. One of the most frequent questions is whether to remove two wisdom teeth or all four. Understandably, many people want a shorter procedure and recovery time, making the option of removing just two teeth seem appealing. However, in most cases, extracting all four wisdom teeth at once is the better choice. Here’s why.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are several reasons why your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed.
- Lack of Space: Often, there simply isn’t enough room in your mouth for wisdom teeth to grow in properly. This can cause crowding, which may lead to misalignment or improper tooth eruption and pose further dental issues.
- Hygiene Challenges: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth. Poor hygiene can result in cavities, infections, or gum disease over time.
- Current or Future Problems: Wisdom teeth may already be causing discomfort or complications, or they could potentially create issues down the road based on your dentist’s evaluation.
In short, wisdom teeth are removed to address existing problems or to prevent future ones.
How Many Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed?
The number of wisdom teeth to extract depends on your unique situation. Some patients may only have one troublesome tooth, in which case only that tooth needs removal. However, it’s not uncommon for two or all four wisdom teeth to cause problems simultaneously. Even if only one or two are currently an issue, the remaining teeth may erupt improperly in the future, leading to additional complications.
Should You Remove Two or All Four Wisdom Teeth at Once?
If your dentist recommends removing all four wisdom teeth, it’s usually best to follow their advice. Here’s why:
- Recovery Time: Surprisingly, the recovery period for removing all four wisdom teeth at once is typically no longer than the recovery for just two. By addressing all four teeth in a single procedure, all areas heal together, minimizing the overall downtime.
- Cost Efficiency: Removing all four teeth in one procedure is often more cost-effective than scheduling separate surgeries for two teeth at a time. You’ll also save on additional time off work or other commitments.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Undergoing surgery only once reduces the risk of complications like infection or dry socket, which can arise with multiple procedures.
Making the Right Decision
Ultimately, the decision to remove two or all four wisdom teeth is yours. However, if your dentist advises extracting all four at once, it’s likely for good reason. Addressing all potential issues in one procedure often ensures a smoother recovery and avoids future problems.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you’re experiencing pain or inflammation around your wisdom teeth, schedule a consultation with Greater Washington Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Our experienced team will guide you through your options and help you choose the best path for your wisdom teeth extraction. Let us provide the care and expertise you need for a smooth, comfortable experience.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
