When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are usually associated with stigma due to the less than pleasant experience people have had with them. But what exactly are wisdom teeth? In this article, we will be giving you the necessary information on wisdom teeth, and when you need to get rid of them.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth or third molar are the strongest molars used for grinding food that develop at the back of your mouth.

At about 17 to 21years of age, they are the last set of molars to come through. Two wisdom teeth usually come out on top and two on the bottom as part of a complete set of 32 adult teeth.

Why do wisdom teeth become a problem?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt relatively late in some individuals, especially when they are in their late teens or early twenties. By this time, the rest of the teeth have already developed and taken up most of the available space on your gums. This leaves very little or less room for the third molars to emerge.

These molars try so hard to grow straight like every other tooth but are restricted by the neighboring teeth, and they end up getting stuck in odd angles, which becomes a dental problem.

Because of the strange position, your wisdom teeth are a crevice around it where bacteria and food particles can accumulate, irritating the gum.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

According to recommendations by the American Dental Association, the removal of your wisdom teeth will become necessary if you experience abnormal changes in that region of your mouth, including:

• Pain
• Infection
• A cyst (fluid-filled sacs on the jaw)
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tumors

Others include lesions, cavities, and lack of room to floss or brush around the wisdom teeth.

If left untreated, over time, these extra sets of molars will irritate the gum, lead to inflammation and swelling at the back of your mouth, a dental condition known as Pericoronitis (which can either be acute or chronic) and can cause serious dental problems.

Precautionary step:

The question of whether to remove your wisdom teeth before it poses as a problem has been a contentious issue within the medical field.

Some dental experts and doctors of oral health feel that if your wisdom tooth is healthy, can easily be cleaned, and does not show any sign of infection; they should not be tampered with.

However, other dental professionals have a different opinion and recommend you take them out before they cause severe dental issues due to an abnormal eruption.

Keeping your wisdom teeth:

You can keep your wisdom teeth or third molars if they:

• Are healthy.
• Erupt completely.
• Are in the right position and align appropriately with their opposing teeth for a normal bite.
• Able to be cleaned and flossed.

To mitigate against surprises, talk to your dentist in Glendale to assess the health and position of your wisdom teeth (if there is any). This way, they can determine what would be best for your oral health.

Please call or contact us If you have further questions about wisdom teeth or would like to schedule a visit to our dental office in Glendale.