When Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Necessary?

Is wisdom teeth extraction necessary? Not in all cases. Some people get wisdom teeth that grow like regular teeth while others have wisdom teeth that become impacted.

If your wisdom teeth grow correctly and do not cause pain or other dental problems, there is no need for wisdom teeth removal. However, if your wisdom teeth become impacted, your dentist will recommend the extraction of these.

What happens when wisdom teeth become impacted?

Wisdom teeth become impacted when these cannot grow properly because these are blocked. The teeth may remain below the gum line or lie horizontally instead of vertically like regular teeth do. The main reason behind this is that there is simply no room for the wisdom tooth to grow out.

In some patients, their wisdom teeth may erupt either sideways or toward an adjacent tooth. In this scenario, it is advisable to remove the wisdom tooth in order to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria and dental issues like cavities and infections.

There are some cases wherein wisdom teeth collide with the roots of other teeth which can lead to extreme pain. A wisdom tooth that is growing out may also wear down nearby teeth. When this happens, you may be susceptible to some dental problems. Additionally, cleaning your teeth can be doubly difficult.

But even if your wisdom teeth grow properly and do not hurt, your dentist may recommend the removal of these because these are prone to cavities, and this can make cleaning your teeth difficult due to their location.

When is the best age to have wisdom teeth extracted?

Wisdom teeth can appear between the ages of 17 and 25. And while there is no best age to remove these teeth, the general consensus among dentists is to have these teeth extracted at the earliest time possible. The longer you wait for wisdom teeth extraction, the more likely that you will face dental problems.

It is essential to remove wisdom teeth carefully to prevent the onset of periodontal problems. There are different strategies that dentists use in order to prevent these while ensuring proper healing. These include scaling, root planing and plaque control.

Advantages of Wisdom Teeth Extraction 

Another advantage of early removal of wisdom teeth is that it can help prevent or minimize complications and facilitate better healing.

Before your dentist recommends the extraction of your wisdom tooth, he or she should conduct a proper evaluation of your condition in order to gain proper insight on the health of the wisdom tooth as well as those of adjacent teeth and supporting structures. This will entail the use of X-rays and other digital imaging techniques. If you are experiencing dental pain, contact the professionals at Dental1Care to schedule an appointment.