Some people are lucky enough not to have the typical symptoms and discomforts associated with wisdom teeth. For these people, the question is whether it is worth undergoing wisdom teeth removal. Even though wisdom teeth removal has become a common practice, it is not always necessary for everyone to go through the procedure.
When Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed
In many cases, wisdom teeth grow in a way that affects the other teeth in the mouth. Usually, there is not enough room in the jaw for them to fully emerge, so they can grow in odd directions, such as from the side or even horizontally. As a result, they put pressure on the other teeth and can cause problems such as shifting teeth, overcrowding, and pain.
In these cases, the wisdom teeth must be removed to protect the rest of the teeth. Remaining concealed in the gum line, eventually becoming lodged and unable to be removed, this can lead to inflammation and infection of the area that can weaken the roots of other teeth and erode the underlying bone structure.
Most people will experience pain when their wisdom teeth come in, but there are other signs that they should be removed. These can include recurring infections, cysts, tumors, damage to the surrounding teeth, tooth decay, and gum disease. If any of these signs occur, the wisdom tooth must be taken out.
Reasons to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
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Other teeth are affected
If your extra molars come in, it can cause your already-positioned permanent teeth to move out of place. This can lead to pain, problems with your bite, and overcrowding. This overcrowding can make it harder to brush and floss properly, leading to cavities or tooth decay. If you don't get treatment soon, you might need extra procedures to straighten the teeth impacted by the new molars.
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Jaw damage
When the wisdom teeth don't have enough room to grow, they become trapped and unable to emerge properly. This can cause pain, soreness, and other dental issues. Without enough space, the wisdom teeth can push against the adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment, crowding, and damage to the jawbone. In such cases, wisdom teeth removal is often recommended to prevent further complications.
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Sinus condition
It's important to understand that the health of your mouth can have a direct impact on the health of your sinuses. Removing impacted wisdom teeth may be necessary when they interfere with sinus function, leading to pain, pressure, and congestion. Taking care of your oral health is essential for overall well-being, so pay attention to any symptoms or issues you have.
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Pain
Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your teeth, especially your wisdom teeth. A slight ache or tenderness may be the first indication that your wisdom teeth are impacted. Don't wait until the pain worsens, as this can lead to more serious dental issues. If you detect any signs of difficulty with your wisdom teeth, visit your dentist for an evaluation.
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Swollen gums
Having good oral health involves taking care of more than just our teeth. Our gums are also essential and can be affected by wisdom teeth that come in at an awkward angle or horizontally. When this happens, our gums can become red and swollen, making it difficult to clean them properly. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay if we don't take care of our gums.
Conclusion
Removing wisdom teeth is generally a safe and straightforward procedure. It is crucial to speak with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine whether or not the removal of wisdom teeth is the right decision for you. If it is, your dentist or oral surgeon can provide information on the risks and benefits and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Do you have wisdom teeth? Turn to Dental House MI, offering preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and many more. Make an appointment now.