Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure most commonly performed for patients 18 to 30 years of age. However, it can also be done later or earlier in life. In fact, it is a standard and routine procedure at every dental office. In this article, we discuss signs you need wisdom teeth removal.
Signs You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Not every person needs their wisdom teeth removed. Some of us are lucky to have perfectly healthy and well-positioned, functional wisdom teeth that do not cause any issues. However, you might need your wisdom teeth extracted in the following situations:
You Have Impacted or Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth
In simpler words, this means that the whole tooth or its part has not erupted to the surface but instead is stuck beneath the gum line. This can happen if wisdom teeth do not have enough space in the mouth to erupt properly or if they sit at an angle. Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth often cause pain, discomfort, and inflammation of the gums. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are also challenging to clean effectively, meaning that food debris, bacteria, and plaque accumulate on them and in the gum sockets around them. As a result, such wisdom teeth face recurring cavities and decay, jeopardizing your overall oral health.
Your Wisdom Teeth Get Reinfected
Typically, cavities in wisdom teeth can be treated with dental fillings in a similar way as any other teeth. However, sometimes, even if your teeth are fully erupted from underneath the gum line, they are still positioned in such a way that they are difficult to clean properly on a regular basis. Thus, they get cavities again. In this case, your dentist is likely to recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent the surrounding teeth and gum tissue from getting infected as well.
You Are Preparing for an Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatments are often recommended when the teeth are overcrowded because there is not enough space for them in the mouth. This means that even if you wear braces, your teeth are not likely to get into proper alignment. Removing wisdom teeth helps create the necessary space in the mouth for the other teeth to move and become aligned. Thus, if you are considering an orthodontic treatment, your dentist might recommend removing your wisdom teeth first.
Erupting Wisdom Teeth Jeopardize the Results of Your Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be finished before wisdom teeth erupt. However, if there is a risk that erupting wisdom teeth will move the other teeth, jeopardizing the results of your orthodontic treatment, they are to be removed.
You Experience Jaw Issues or Excessive Sinus Pressure
In some cases, improperly positioned wisdom teeth can cause pain or stiffness in the jaw and even result in TMJ disorder. In turn, TMJ disorder can result in neck and back pain, headaches, and difficulty speaking and chewing food. Also, the roots of your wisdom teeth can be positioned too closely to the sinuses, creating excessive sinus pressure and discomfort. Both these issues might be solved by wisdom teeth extraction.
Your Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain, Discomfort, or Cysts Around Them
Pain in your wisdom teeth and cysts in the area around them can signify constant inflammation of the teeth or the tissue around them. In many cases, it is easier and cheaper to remove such wisdom teeth than to continually treat the issues they cause.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure. It is typically performed using local anesthetic; however, in some cases, some form of sedation might be recommended. The procedure is painless due to the anesthetic, and most patients report not feeling any discomfort at all. Wisdom teeth removal can take from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth removed, their position, and the complexity of the case. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your doctor will start the procedure by making incisions in the gum to reach the tooth. In other cases, wisdom teeth are just pulled out.
Once the anesthetic wears out, you are likely to experience some moderate pain or discomfort for a couple of days. Typically, the surgery site heals within 10 to 14 days.
Make an Appointment Today
Now that you are aware of the signs you need wisdom teeth removal, do not hesitate to make an appointment for a stress-free oral surgery in Anaheim. Our specialists will examine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and conduct a safe extraction if necessary. We look forward to your visit to My Dentist Anaheim dental office.