Many people question whether it is advisable to implant tooth number 8 after extraction. Does replanting tooth number 8 bring any benefits in terms of eating or aesthetics? Let’s explore this issue with Nu cuoi Duyen Dental Clinic through the following article!
Which tooth is number 8?
Tooth number 8, also known as the wisdom tooth, is called so because it is the 8th tooth counting from the back. Wisdom teeth don’t start to emerge until the ages of 17-25 when the dental arch and other teeth are already well-established.
As the wisdom tooth emerges later than other teeth, the surrounding bone structure, gums, and adjacent teeth have already stabilized, making the eruption of the wisdom tooth more challenging and often causing discomfort. The lack of space for the wisdom tooth to emerge properly on the dental arch is one of the reasons for misalignment, improper direction, or impaction.
Why should tooth number 8 be extracted?
In dentistry, tooth extraction is considered the last resort when treatment or restoration options are no longer viable, leading to the necessity of removing the tooth to prevent adverse effects on health. However, when it comes to the wisdom tooth (tooth number 8), extraction is often recommended and, in many cases, there might be no need for tooth replacement. This is due to the following reasons:
Function of teeth
Tooth number 8, also known as the wisdom tooth, is part of the dental system, but it seems not to play a significant role in chewing and grinding food. This is because, before it emerges, we can still chew and swallow food normally without any inconvenience. Additionally, as it is the last tooth in the jaw, its presence or absence does not significantly impact the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.
Causing troublesome pain
Causing troublesome pain. As mentioned above, the lack of space for the wisdom tooth to emerge is one of the reasons for misaligned or impacted tooth growth, leading to pain and discomfort that can affect daily activities.
How does wisdom tooth number 8 affect health?
- Damage to neighboring teeth and surrounding gums: When wisdom tooth number 8 grows misaligned, it can collide with the adjacent tooth number 7, causing damage such as pulpitis and tooth decay.
- Oral cavity inflammation: The swollen and painful growth of the wisdom tooth creates an opportunity for bacteria to thrive and attack the oral cavity, leading to inflammation and even the discharge of pus. If this condition persists, it can spread to the surrounding gum area, tongue, and even the jaw, leading to blood infections.
- Difficulty in oral hygiene: Due to the location of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth, especially when they grow misaligned or impacted, cleaning becomes challenging. This can inadvertently create gaps where food particles accumulate, leading to interdental inflammation, tooth decay, and gum inflammation.
- Development of dangerous diseases: Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to develop into cysts, causing weakening of the jawbone and compressing nerves, disrupting the sensation in the mucous membrane, lips, and surrounding teeth.
Therefore, when wisdom tooth number 8 shows signs of growing misaligned or impacted, it should be addressed promptly by extraction. Early removal helps minimize pain and reduces the risk of potential complications associated with the growth of the tooth.
Should wisdom tooth number 8 be replaced after extraction?
Considering the functional aspect and the negative impact of wisdom tooth number 8 on oral health, there is no reason to retain it. This also means that replanting wisdom tooth number 8 after extraction is unnecessary.
Because restoring wisdom tooth number 8 does not contribute to improving the chewing function or the aesthetics of the teeth. Since the tooth is located at the end of the jaw, there is no concern about misalignment or bone loss. The position of wisdom tooth number 8 after extraction will be naturally filled by the gums and surrounding tissues over time, without affecting the health and aesthetics of the teeth.