Do you have to get your wisdom teeth removed? Get expert advice on wisdom teeth extraction from the best dentist in Brewster, NY.
Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and not all wisdom teeth are problematic or need extraction. However, if you're among the
70 percent of Americans who require wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives, the question is, when do you have to get your wisdom teeth removed? Is it even necessary?
If you're looking for some insight on wisdom teeth extractions, look no further. Let's shed some light on whether or not this procedure is right for you and get to the root of it all with this informative guide.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical extraction of one or more of the four permanent adult teeth located at the top and bottom back corners of your mouth.
Many people experience impacted wisdom teeth, which hinder their normal development or inability to penetrate the gums. This may lead to pain, infection, or other dental issues. It's recommended to have the tooth extracted to protect the surrounding teeth.
Wisdom teeth extraction surgery is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. The tooth is removed in its entirety or in parts through an incision in the gums.
Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone is born with wisdom teeth, and those who have may not require removal if their wisdom teeth are completely mature and healthy. This means they don't restrict your jaw, make it difficult to eat or speak, or damage your surrounding teeth.
However, a lack of pain or discomfort doesn't always mean the absence of underlying concerns. Wisdom teeth that are stuck in the bone or gum tissue, grow at an angle to adjacent teeth, or cannot fit in a small or crowded mouth are examples of potential issues.
The bones in your mouth harden as you age, making
tooth extraction more challenging. As a preventive measure, dentists may suggest getting wisdom teeth extracted as a young adult. Because the roots haven't fully formed and the jawbones aren't as dense, healing is safer, faster, and easier than removing them later in life.
On the other hand, if the treatment is delayed too long, complications such as acute numbness, loss of jaw movement, substantial bleeding, and damaged teeth may occur after surgery. These issues can be temporary or persistent.
Ultimately, only a comprehensive oral examination can determine if you need a wisdom tooth extraction. During this checkup, an oral surgeon or dentist will look for any present or possible concerns.
Choosing whether or not to have wisdom teeth extracted isn't always simple, so discuss your options with a
qualified dental team in Brewster, NY to see what's best for you.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Infection
Although some cases can go unnoticed due to their asymptomatic nature, there are a number of warning signs that indicate an infection of the wisdom teeth. Possible symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Pain and sensitivity
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal abscesses or cysts
- Sinus pressure
- Earaches or headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaw stiffness
- Infection or gum disease
- Facial swelling
It's critical to remember that if problematic teeth are not pulled, infection may recur or worsen. Individuals with weaker immune systems may experience further difficulties as a result of these infections.
When Is Extraction Necessary?
The alignment of your teeth and jaw is affected the moment your wisdom teeth emerge from the gums.
Dental services like an X-ray can determine whether or not they need to be extracted. Continue reading to learn more about why removal may be necessary:
Gum Inflammation
When your wisdom teeth start to emerge, they can cause soreness and swelling in the gums. This can cause food and bacteria to become trapped in the infected area while making it difficult to eat or properly clean your teeth.
This can also result in pericoronitis (inflammation of the gums around a partially impacted tooth) or periodontitis (widespread infection of the teeth and gums).
Alignment Issues
Wisdom teeth that push against other surrounding teeth could cause damage or increase the risk of repeated infections. This pressure can also cause crooked or overcrowded teeth that may require orthodontic treatment to straighten them out.
Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth are harder to clean because of how they're positioned. Cavities can develop when bacteria are able to thrive in spaces created by swollen
gums. When the gums are partially erupted, it increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay that only an extraction can fix.
Jaw Damage
The wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. Fluid forms in the sac around the erupting tooth, forming a cyst that can damage the teeth, nerves, and jaws. In rare cases, a noncancerous tumor can develop, which may require the removal of bone and tissue.
Sinus Problems
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can press up against the sinuses. This pressure can cause stiffness, congestion, headaches, and
sore teeth.
Importance of Regular Checkups
The best way to determine whether you need wisdom teeth removal is to schedule a consultation or evaluation appointment with your dentist. You should also be aware of symptoms that your wisdom teeth are growing in, such as pain around your molars, soreness when you eat, and pressure in your back jaw.
It's possible that a wisdom tooth may not show problematic symptoms until the root has grown in and the bone has become dense. Removal at this stage may result in more invasive and painful surgery that can take longer to heal from. Fortunately,
regular checkups can diagnose, treat, and prevent issues before they start.
A Bit of Wisdom
Now you know the answer to the question, "Do you have to get your wisdom teeth removed?" We recognize that every person's dental anatomy is unique, which is why we're here to assist you in understanding your wisdom teeth.
Our mission is to give patients professional guidance on wisdom teeth extractions. Together, we can determine a solution that's best for you.
Visit us at Putnam Bright Smile today!
