They might be called wisdom teeth, but keeping them isn’t always a wise decision. If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering what benefits come with this procedure.
Luckily, there are quite a few reasons that removing your wisdom teeth can be beneficial to your health! In fact, a new study is leading experts to believe that wisdom teeth removal can actually improve your sense of taste.
If you’re ready to learn more about how removing wisdom teeth can improve tasting ability and dental health, keep reading!
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Usually Removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically removed because they are causing pain or have a high likelihood of causing complications. Often, wisdom teeth grow at angles that will cause impaction or infection as they appear.
If you are not experiencing pain but your dentist has recommended this procedure, your wisdom teeth are likely expected to grow into a position that will cause discomfort down the road.
Teeth that come in incorrectly can cause infections in the gum or even diminish your dental health. By viewing x-rays of your teeth, your dental health provider can predict if wisdom teeth placement causes problems like:
- Damage to jaw or teeth
- Cavities
- Sinus complications
- Gum inflammation
- Misalignment of teeth
Often, the easiest way to avoid the negative side effects of wisdom teeth is to remove them before they can cause any pain or damage.
Can Wisdom Teeth Removal Improve Your Sense of Taste?
Removing wisdom teeth can help avoid many dental complications. Removal can also alleviate symptoms like pain and inflammation. But scientists recently released study results that show wisdom teeth removal may even help you taste better!
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted the study with 1,200 participants, roughly 900 of whom had their wisdom teeth removed.
Participants tested 5 different solutions and described their tastes. Those who no longer had wisdom teeth experienced improved taste sensitivity of up to almost 10% compared to those with wisdom teeth.
So, having your wisdom teeth may actually improve your sense of taste! But why exactly is that? While researchers say they need more time to study the effect, they have some ideas as to what causes the new sensitivity.
According to the study, the surgical process may be a key part of the puzzle. Experts now theorize that because nerves are exposed during wisdom tooth surgery, there is an increase in sensitivity in the whole month following the procedure.
They also commented that effects may be noticeable even decades after surgery! So if you’ve been on the fence about removing your wisdom teeth, keep this possible benefit in mind!
Removing Wisdom Teeth Can Boost Tasting Power
Wisdom teeth removal is common, and millions of people participate in this procedure each year. But there may be more benefits to this minor surgery than ever thought before!
Today, research is demonstrating that removing wisdom teeth can increase taste sensitivity for years after the procedure. For those who need to remove their wisdom teeth, the benefits are continuing to make this simple procedure more and more attractive!
Do you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Are you searching for the best dental experts near you? Reach out today to learn more about our dental services!
