The question of whether or not to get your wisdom teeth removed becomes more complicated with age. In most cases, getting your wisdom teeth removed is a “no-brainer” as you get older. Your dentist will inform you that wisdom teeth are highly impacted, meaning that they have grown into the gum and under your gums and have not erupted. This is a problem because these teeth may have been causing irritation in your mouth.
Despite what movies and television shows may have us believe, wisdom tooth extractions are rarely the cause of pain or excruciating headaches. In fact, most patients experience little to no pain or discomfort after the procedure. Instead, the most common symptoms are temporary discomfort and swelling in the area where the tooth was extracted.
What Is Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in the mouth. Often, these are the last to appear, making their appearance around the age of 13 for girls and 17 for boys. They can cause many problems if they are not properly cared for.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to grow in your mouth, and they typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people are lucky enough not to have any complications with wisdom teeth. However, things can go awry when the wisdom teeth become impacted or infected. If this has happened to you, it’s important to visit your dentist so they can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
When Is Removal Needed?
The health of your teeth and gums is vital to your overall health. When there is decay or infection in the tooth, it can spread to the pulp (the soft tissue inside) and jawbone. Fillings, root canals, and other treatments can help save your teeth, but there are times when tooth extraction is required.
- Damage to other teeth – In the field of dentistry, the damage to other teeth is generally due to enamel erosion. It can be caused by many factors including grinding and clenching teeth, eating excessive sweets and acidic foods, genetic issues, and more. Tooth damage is generally assessed from your bite impressions, as different teeth erode at different rates. Most cases of enamel wear can be managed through homecare and tooth-colored fillings.
- Jaw damage – The jaw is one of the body’s most important and complex organs. Its function is to tell the head where to put the rest of your body. The jaw is an anchor for your head. If any part of the jaw is damaged, it can affect your speech, chewing, and even your face shape.
- Inflamed Gums – Inflamed gums are a painful condition that can wreck your oral and overall health. Gum disease is often a silent condition, meaning that you don’t exhibit any symptoms until the condition is advanced. Fortunately, inflamed gums are treatable with procedures like scaling and root planning, which remove the bacteria and calculus that cause the disease. Protect your health by talking to your dentist about gum issues and identifying, treating, and preventing inflamed gums. In case you do not have a designated dentist, make sure you know a nearby clinic that allows emergency dental visits, and talk to a professional at the first sign of pain.
- Cavities – Cavities are one of the most common dental maladies, and they can make even the most confident smile appear chipped and damaged. If they aren’t treated, they can lead to other health problems, so it’s essential to visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble.
- Alignment – Teeth can shift and fall out for a variety of reasons. Traumatic or sudden shifts in alignment are the most common cause, as are clenching and grinding habits, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. Crooked teeth can cause wear and tear on the remaining teeth, leading to root canals, dental cavities, and tooth loss. Teeth that record too far forward or above your jaw can drag down your lip and cheeks and affect chewing and speech.
Many people find themselves trying to decide whether or not to get their wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth are the final set of third molars that grow behind the first two. Their presence is perfectly normal for healthy adults, but wisdom teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems, including shifting teeth, overcrowding, and lead to gum disease, and decay. While wisdom teeth removal isn’t usually necessary, it is better to reach out to a dentist in thornton co or elsewhere who can gauge your individual oral condition and give you professional input. That is because while getting wisdom teeth removed may not be a compulsion, it can definitely alleviate some of the issues mentioned above.
Wisdom teeth removal can be a painful and expensive procedure. Get a proper x-ray before invasive procedures like wisdom tooth removal to protect your investment and your mouth.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental surgeries, and it’s also one of the most common reasons for dental surgery. For the most part, tooth removal is a routine surgery usually completed with a local anesthetic. Two wisdom teeth often need to be removed if there’s an impacted wisdom tooth. The removal is elective, and most people choose to remove their wisdom teeth when they’re old enough.