Wisdom teeth are believed to be evolution’s answer to eating raw meats, vegetables, and roots. However, these third set of molars are not always functional and, oftentimes, crowd the mouth and create numerous problems later on in life. Between the ages of 16 and 19, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully embedded, which is why it is often recommended that they are evaluated at this time, to ensure that there is no threat. Otherwise, as you get older and the bones become harder, wisdom teeth become too difficult to remove.
In many cases, dentists remove these teeth to avoid problems later on down the road, even if there are no apparent symptoms. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, resulting in heavy bleeding, fractured teeth, severe numbness, and even the loss of jaw movement. It is possible for these problems to go away after some time, but they could also potentially last for a lifetime.
Below are some of the common conditions that warrant wisdom teeth extraction:
- Pain
- Infection
- Cysts
- Gum disease
- Damage to adjacent teeth
Additionally, tooth decay could potentially set in as well.
Reasons to Extract Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause numerous problems. Generally, they lack enough space to erupt, which means that instead of coming up straight, the tooth might lie on its side and press up against the tooth in front of it, resulting in overcrowding. If a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, this could lead to a condition that is known as pericoronitis, which is an infection that occurs when food, plaque, and other debris become trapped in the area of the impacted tooth and gum.
If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms and your wisdom teeth are not causing any complications, your teeth can remain untouched. However, it is generally better to err on the side of caution and have them removed. A visit to your dentist will help ensure the right decision is being made for your dental health.
In the event that you do need your wisdom teeth removed, the procedure could involve local anesthesia or general sedation, depending on how complex the procedure is. Wisdom teeth extraction is generally recommended at a younger age because the roots of the teeth have yet to fully develop, which makes the extraction process simpler.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Greenville
Regardless if you are experiencing any symptoms, it would be wise to see a dentist to find out what your next best course of action is. Keeping your wisdom teeth puts you at a high risk of experiencing painful and uncomfortable symptoms later on in life, so make sure you see a dentist to discuss your options. At Bowman, Padgett, and Associates in Greenville, we have more than 45 years of combined dental experience and have performed countless wisdom teeth removal.
Schedule an appointment today at (252) 391-9333 to learn more about what we can do for you.