Do you have wisdom teeth that need to be removed? Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are called wisdom teeth because they come in when you are older and, supposedly, wiser. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of dental problems. They can crowd your other teeth, causing pain and making it difficult to clean your teeth properly. They can also become infected, which can be very painful. Let’s look a little more in detail about wisdom teeth removal and why it is so common to have these teeth removed.
There’s Often No Room for Them
One of the most common reasons wisdom teeth need to be removed is that there’s not enough room in your mouth for the teeth to fit. When wisdom teeth first come in, they don’t have to go through the process that baby teeth do. This can cause them to grow sideways, which makes them difficult to brush and clean. It’s also possible that they won’t break through the gums at all. Eventually, it will affect your bite and can cause many problems like overcrowding and headaches.
There’s a Risk for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can also develop in the bone of the jaw, and the term for this is called impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are very common. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted tooth, according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Once the teeth are impacted, they can cause many problems, so it’s best to get them removed early on. You can discuss the removal options with your oral surgeon.
Wisdom Teeth are Hard to Clean
They are nestled in the far recesses of your mouth, and it makes them difficult to clean and floss. Your dentist should give you instructions on how to effectively clean them, but it’s not always possible to do this. If you can’t clean them properly, you can develop cavities and gum disease.
If you are nervous about getting your wisdom teeth out, don’t be. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is often recommended by dentists. It is important to consult with your dentist to see if this is the right decision for you. There are many factors to consider before undergoing the procedure, such as the number of wisdom teeth, their position, and your overall oral health. Contact Orion Lakes Family Dentistry today!