Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Pasadena, Texas Dentist Dr. Nugent explains why wisdom teeth are almost always removed:
By age 18 an average person has 32 teeth – 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. More times than not, the mouth is only able to fit 28 teeth. Discomfort and infection often occurs when the wisdom teeth try to erupt.
Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth:
The last sets of teeth to come in are often called “wisdom teeth”. Officially they are called third molars. On the rare occasion when they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, third molars do not cause any problems. However, this is not what usually happens. For most patients third molars erupt misaligned, growing sideways, partially emerged from the gum or impacting other teeth. Frequently, they remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
The above situations can cause many serious problems. Partial eruption is the main factor in causing infection resulting in swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The most serious problem occurs when cysts or tumors form around the un-erupted third molars. This, if left unattended, can result in the destruction of the jawbone and surrounding healthy teeth. Removal of the problematic wisdom teeth resolves all problems. In most cases early removal is recommended as a preventative action.
Why Wisdom Teeth Usually Need to Be Removed and the Dangers of Leaving Them Impacted
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals may have enough room in their mouths to accommodate these teeth, the majority of people experience complications that make removal necessary. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, and understanding the reasons behind it, as well as the dangers of leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated, is crucial for maintaining oral health.
Why Wisdom Teeth Usually Need to Be Removed
One of the primary reasons wisdom teeth need to be removed is that most people’s jaws are not large enough to comfortably fit these additional molars. As a result, the teeth may become misaligned or impacted, meaning they don’t fully erupt from the gums. This can lead to a variety of problems, including pain, swelling, and difficulty cleaning the teeth properly.
Additionally, even when wisdom teeth do erupt normally, they are often difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss due to their location at the back of the mouth. This makes them highly susceptible to decay and infection. Over time, trapped food particles and bacteria can contribute to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, further increasing the need for extraction.
The Dangers of Leaving Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to serious oral health complications. Here are some of the dangers associated with impacted wisdom teeth:
- Infection and Inflammation: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to infections and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue around the partially erupted tooth, is a common complication that can cause significant discomfort, swelling, and difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby teeth, causing damage to their roots or even shifting their position. This can lead to misalignment and overcrowding of your other teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment to correct.
- Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts, fluid-filled sacs that can damage the surrounding bone and teeth. In rare cases, these cysts can lead to the development of benign tumors, which may require more complex surgical intervention.
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they are at a higher risk of developing cavities and contributing to gum disease. The bacteria that accumulate around these teeth can also spread to other parts of the mouth, exacerbating oral health problems.
- Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain and discomfort, especially as they attempt to push through the gum line. This can interfere with daily activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping.
Early Intervention is Key
Removing wisdom teeth early, especially before they become impacted, can prevent these complications. At Michael Nugent DDS, we recommend regular dental checkups to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and determine the appropriate time for removal. Early intervention not only reduces the risk of pain and infection but also minimizes the need for more invasive procedures later on.
If you are experiencing discomfort or suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our office to discuss your options for safe and effective wisdom tooth removal. Protecting your oral health today can save you from future pain and complications.
About:
Dr. Michael Nugent is a top dentist in Pasadena, Texas. He excels in Family, Cosmetic, Implant and Sedation Dentistry. He has been voted BEST PASADENA TEXAS DENTIST multiple times. Dr. Nugent is located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Get the best in dental care for you and your family.