Dubbed your third molars, wisdom teeth typically make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25, rounding out your set of pearly whites. While these teeth are a natural occurrence, it’s quite common for people to have them removed. This decision often stems from concerns such as overcrowding or various dental issues. Keep reading to explore three reasons why individuals undergo this procedure and how you can determine if your wisdom teeth require extraction.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
If your wisdom teeth fail to fully emerge, some dental professionals may suggest their removal. Most patients end up needing them removed, often while they’re a teenager.
It’s commonly thought that opting for extraction before the roots and bone are fully developed can lead to quicker recovery times. However, removal might not be necessary if your wisdom teeth are healthy, have fully erupted, are properly aligned, or can be easily maintained through regular cleaning.
How to Know Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
As per the American Dental Association (ADA), extraction of your wisdom teeth might be recommended if you encounter any of the following changes in that region of your mouth:
- Infection – When wisdom teeth are impacted due to insufficient space, it can irritate the gum tissue, often resulting in an infection known as pericoronitis. This condition typically involves symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulties with chewing and swallowing.
- Damage to other teeth – Because wisdom teeth are at the back of the mouth, it’s challenging to clean them properly with a toothbrush and floss. Failure to address plaque and tartar buildup can lead to decay and gum disease, affecting both the wisdom teeth and neighboring ones. Additionally, if gum disease is not promptly addressed, it can cause serious issues such as loose teeth, receding gums, tooth loss, and bone loss.
- Tumors and cysts – Ameloblastoma, a rare tumor, typically originates in the jaw, often near the molars or wisdom teeth. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or alterations in facial appearance. If left untreated, it can potentially develop into cancer.
- Impacted wisdom teeth – This occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for them to fully erupt, leading to them becoming trapped or unable to emerge properly. can increase the likelihood of tumors and cysts forming in the surrounding tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth affect 75% of the population, making it a widespread concern that can be effectively addressed by a skilled dentist.
Impacted wisdom teeth affect 75% of the population, making it a widespread concern that can be effectively addressed by a skilled dentist. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or other problems due to impacted wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for removal and restore your smile’s health and comfort!
About the Practice
If you are experiencing discomfort or struggling to clean your smile due to problematic wisdom teeth, the skilled team at Advanced Dental Care of South Texas is ready to assist you. They specialize in the painless removal of troublesome wisdom teeth to ensure that you can enjoy a bright, beautiful smile without any discomfort. If you’d like to learn more about wisdom teeth removal or schedule an appointment, visit Advanced Dental Care of South Texas’ website or give them a call at (361) 664-3057.