Some lucky people never have any problems with their wisdom teeth, but for many these extra molars can cause a multitude of oral health problems. For this reason, some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth even before they develop serious complications. Here are several reasons why you may want to consider talking to your dentist about wisdom teeth extraction.
1. Overcrowding
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. By this time, your other adult teeth are already in position, which means there may not be space left over for your wisdom teeth. The arrival of wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the back of your mouth, pushing existing teeth out of the way and causing misalignment. It is very important for young adults to attend regular checkups with their dentist to check for signs of overcrowding. If there isn't enough space for wisdom teeth, the best solution may be to remove them before they push other teeth out of alignment.
2. Problems Cleaning Your Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth only partially erupt from the gum, or come through at an odd angle, it can be very difficult to keep them clean through everyday brushing and flossing. If you struggle to floss or brush around your wisdom teeth, let your dentist know. He or she might recommend removing the teeth to prevent problems arising in the future from poor dental hygiene.
3. Mouth Injuries
Some people have wisdom teeth that point out toward their cheeks or in toward their tongue. This can lead to the tongue or cheeks rubbing against the chewing surface of the tooth and developing ulcers. Tell your dentist if your wisdom teeth regularly cause injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth. Wisdom tooth extraction is one solution to this annoying problem. Alternatively, it may be possible for your dentist to file down the sharp edges of your wisdom tooth to prevent injury to your mouth.
4. Impaction
Wisdom teeth that don't fully erupt from the gum are called impacted. When wisdom teeth remain wholly or partially trapped under the gumline, they can become infected with bacteria. This leads to pain and swelling. Dentists often remove impacted wisdom teeth as a way of treating or preventing an infection.
5. Pain
If your wisdom teeth cause you pain, you shouldn't suffer in silence, even if none of the other items on this list apply to you. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can press painfully on nerves, leading to lasting pain. Pain can also be a sign of decay or infection, so don't hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist if your wisdom teeth hurt.
