Many people often question their dentists’ recommendation to remove their wisdom teeth because they don’t hurt. For years, this oral surgery has become a standard procedure; however, it is not always necessary. Read on to learn more about whether wisdom teeth extraction is necessary for you.
Preventative Efforts
It is important to remember that even though your wisdom teeth are not in pain, it does not mean there is not anything wrong. Your teeth can still be stuck or impacted, which means they can’t break through your jaw and into your mouth. In addition, your mouth may be too small to make room for them, and the teeth could begin growing at an angle and affect your other teeth.
Therefore, some dentists will take out healthy molars in hopes of preventing future problems. They also know that as people age, their bones in their mouths get harder, which makes them much more difficult to remove.
If you wait too long, you may deal with post-surgery problems that include fractured teeth, heavy bleeding, severe numbness, and minor loss of jaw movement. These problems can last anywhere between a few days to a lifetime, so it is essential to discuss your wisdom teeth extraction with your dentist.
When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You and your dentist will know you need to get your wisdom teeth removed when they start to cause problems, or your x-rays show that they might cause problems in the future. Some of these problems include:
- Damage to other teeth: Your wisdom teeth can sometimes push your other teeth in new positions and cause mouth pain and bite problems.
- Jaw damage: Sometimes, cysts can form around your new wisdom teeth, and if they aren’t treated, they can damage the nerves in your jaw and hollow it out.
- Sinus issues: Some more complications from not removing your wisdom teeth include sinus pressure, congestion, and pain.
- Inflamed gums: Wisdom teeth can also cause the tissue around the area to swell, making it much harder to clean.
- Cavities: If your gums become swollen from your wisdom teeth, this can create pockets between your teeth that harbor bacteria and form cavities.
- Alignment: If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you may be at risk of overcrowding your other teeth and might make teeth straightening treatment necessary.
At the end of the day, your dentist will make the ultimate decision after looking at the shape of your mouth, the position of your teeth, and after considering any other factors that might impact your specific situation.
If you would like to learn more about wisdom teeth extractions, give North County Dental Care a call today at 760.940.4266!
North County Dental Care brings together a host of dental specialists to provide a full spectrum of dental care for you and your family, all in one convenient location. Our family dentistry office in Vista, California, does not require referrals or running from one specialist’s office to another to receive the care you need. Best of all, we treat patients of all ages so that you can schedule your entire family’s dental appointments all in one place.
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