The
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom
teeth – the third and final set of molars – typically do
not erupt until late in the teenage years or early 20s. Though not everyone
needs their wisdom teeth removed, those that do will likely experience problems
with them between the ages 25 and 30.
Why
Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Healthy, well-positioned wisdom teeth do not cause
problems, however, this is usually not the case when wisdom teeth erupt. Oftentimes,
there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate an additional set of
teeth, which can lead to several dental issues.
· A
wisdom tooth that does not fully integrate into the mouth or align with the other
teeth can become impacted in the jaw. Impacted teeth can house bacteria, which
eventually leads to gum disease and infection.
· If
a tooth fails to come in completely, tissue will grow over the tooth, allowing
food and other particles to become lodged under this tissue and form bacteria.
· Teeth
that grow in awkwardly can also have a huge impact on the overall
comfortability and bite of the jaw. It can force the surrounding teeth to
reposition themselves or push together and overlap.
· Wisdom
teeth that erupt only partially can sometimes cause fluid-filled sacs to form,
otherwise known as cysts. To stave off infection and avoid damage to
neighboring tissue, these cysts should be promptly drained or removed. However,
there are no guarantees the cysts will not reform even after removal.
Due to their position in the jaw, wisdom teeth are
exceptionally hard to clean. Flossing and brushing can be a challenge, so tooth
decay and cavities are common ailments for these hard-to-reach teeth. And since
your wisdom teeth are difficult to see without using a dental mirror, it is almost
impossible to gauge visual indicators of infection or other problems.
Because of the problems wisdom teeth present, doctors
recommend taking preventative measures whenever possible. Many oral surgeons
advocate extraction in youth before the teeth have a chance to emerge. Young
adults are particularly resistant to infection and generally have faster,
healthier recovery times.
Are
There Risks?
In most cases, there are no long-term effects
associated with wisdom teeth extraction. Despite the procedure’s success rate,
however, some minor complications can occur, such as a painful dry socket where
the tooth was removed, infection due to food particles trapped in the vacant
sockets, and damage to neighboring teeth or sinuses.
The benefits of wisdom tooth removal are great. To
avoid many of these issues, consult with Solace Oral Surgery
for options and information about removal.
