The third set of molars that can develop during late adolescence and early adulthood is commonly referred to as the wisdom teeth. These extra teeth can cause serious issues, so it is most often advisable to have them removed, often before they emerge. Although oral surgery may sound intimidating, having wisdom teeth pulled is usually a better experience than avoiding it, once you consider the pain that comes with wisdom teeth problems.
There are four main reasons why it is recommended that wisdom teeth be removed:
- There is no room for them. For most people, 28 teeth is the maximum number of teeth that will fit in the mouth. Wisdom teeth often become impacted because there is simply no room for them to emerge.
- They can cause chronic pain in the gums. Pain can result from infection that occurs with partially erupted wisdom teeth. If food and bacteria get trapped in these vulnerable areas, it can lead to a very painful infection called pericoronitis.
- They do not come in straight. Wisdom teeth can come in sideways, causing your teeth to shift and move over time. There is also a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth can damage the nearby teeth.
- Cysts can form around the wisdom teeth. When the sac next to the tooth becomes filled with fluid, a cyst can form. This can destroy the surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.
It is important to have wisdom teeth removed while a patient is young, preferably under 18 years of age. Not only do younger patients heal more quickly, removal can be done with much less risk of nerve injury or lingering numbness because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not yet fully formed. Waiting until adulthood can significantly increase the risk of complications.
Fears or concerns associated with getting your wisdom teeth removed are completely understandable. Weninger Dentistry alleviates those fears with the gentle treatment and care you deserve. Our friendly and caring staff is here to assist and maximize your comfort level, every step of the way.