Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located in the very back of our mouths and usually erupt much later than our other teeth. In fact, it may not be until your mid to late teens or even early 20s before they start to come in. Fortunately, most of us can function perfectly well without them especially if they end up needing to be removed. 

Your wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they aren’t giving you any issues; however, if they are your dentist will almost certainly recommend that you have them taken out sooner rather than later.
 

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

There are a variety of reasons why your dentist may recommend that it’s best to remove your wisdom teeth. Here are some of the most common:

Your Jaw Isn’t Large Enough to Accommodate All of Your Teeth

Everyone has a slightly different jaw size and shape, with some being smaller or larger than others. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth may not erupt in someone with a small jaw and when that happens, the teeth are known as impacted.

If there isn’t enough space for your wisdom teeth to erupt, over time they may cause issues with nearby teeth, the surrounding bone or gum tissue which may lead to pain and infection.

Your Wisdom Teeth are Partially Erupted

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause problems with the alignment of other teeth, causing them to become crowded, crooked, or overlapped, which may result in a range of dental issues. These type wisdom teeth are also more likely to become infected since the gum tissue surrounding them has a space that’s partially open which may enable bacteria and food particles to enter. If you develop an infection in your gum tissue, it can be painful and lead to additional problems including possible tooth loss.  

Risk of Decay and Infection

The location of wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth make them harder to clean. If your teeth cannot be properly cleaned following meals, cavities are more likely to develop. Overtime gum and periodontal disease may develop. If left untreated, periodontal disease has also been linked to some health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke as well as some types of cancer.

If you have questions about your wisdom teeth and whether or not they need to be removed, please schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns. Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Rejuvenescence Oral & Facial Surgery, Dental Implants, and Cosmetics in Duluth, Georgia will be more than happy to assist you at (678) 562-8710.