Why Most Wisdom Teeth Have To Go
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth, last to emerge in the dental arch, around the ages 17 to 21 years, making their appearance in the later teen years to early adulthood. With enough space left in the arch, assuming the jaws have reached their full growth, there should be no problem for wisdom teeth coming in. But wisdom teeth are known to create problems for a lot of young people.
Why do most people, including their dentists, want wisdom teeth out of the picture?
In many instances, wisdom teeth grow in impacted. They’re so far back in the mouth, they usually may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful and lead to infection. Even if they are partially trapped, they can weaken the jaw bone and do future damage.
They come in at a wrong angle, pressing against other teeth causing crowding. As a result, you may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss. Without proper cleaning, they are usually the first teeth to develop cavities leading to decay, including gum disease. Their crooked appearance may only mean there is no longer enough room in your jaw bone for the third molar.
In addition, if you feel pain and there is infection during eruption of your third molar, there is gingivitis, or this tooth is going to compromise your normal bite or your normal alignment – the tooth has to come off. Some experts say that even if wisdom teeth do not cause problems in the youth, there is no evidence to show that they won’t be problematic in adulthood.
Wisdom teeth extraction is not a painful procedure, though there is some discomfort after the surgery. Your dentist will administer local or general anesthesia, or use IV sedation, in which case you are asleep throughout the procedure. In 45 minutes or less, it can be over, even if it involves two wisdom teeth with relative ease of removal. Just follow your dentist’s instructions for home care and you’ll be back to normal routine in a few days. There is no need for follow-ups, stitches will resolve on their own, swelling will subside. Complications are not common, but if they happen, just let your dentist know right away.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction? See our Bellingham Dentist
You might be experiencing the pain of wisdom teeth growing in and may or may not have complaints at all. Nonetheless, see us at Tetrick Family Dentistry for a consultation. Learn more if you need to need your wisdom teeth extracted.