Wisdom Teeth: Why Take Them Out?

If you’ve heard any hype about wisdom teeth, it is probably about getting them removed or taken out. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to emerge. They don’t offer significant functional benefit to your smile, and the truth is, wisdom teeth cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is common for dentists to recommend wisdom teeth removal – usually between 16 and 24 years old. While it is quite possible to have healthy wisdom teeth that emerge properly, it is also common to experience the following wisdom teeth complications due to their location in the mouth:

Infected or Decayed
Even wisdom teeth that emerge completely are at an extra risk for cavities and gum disease. The reason is simple: it is extremely hard to keep these far back teeth as clean as they need to be. In result, wisdom teeth can be culprits for decay and infection in the surrounding teeth.

Partially Erupted
It is common for a wisdom tooth to erupt partially through the gums. This creates a pocket of gum tissues that is vulnerable to bacteria buildup. Some patients may even find that food debris gets stuck in this area underneath the gum line of the partially erupted tooth.

Impacted
One of the most serious complications of wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when the tooth never erupts at all and instead, gets impacted at an angle against another tooth. Often it is lack of jaw space that causes this. Impacted wisdom teeth may create painful pressure and even cause nerve trauma. In such cases, your wisdom teeth need attention before they damage the neighboring teeth.

At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we conduct periodic x-rays to monitor the development and growth of your wisdom teeth. If a problem is present or looks likely, we may recommend an extraction. Rest assured that wisdom teeth removal is a minor oral surgery that can be comfortably performed in our office. If you are experiencing symptoms such as bad breath, jaw stiffness, chewing discomfort, or swollen gums, please give us a call as soon as possible, as these can be signs of problematic wisdom teeth.