Do you still have all your wisdom teeth? If so, your dentist might have recommended that you think about getting them extracted. Understandably, you might be reluctant to consent. After all, the idea of getting a tooth pulled can be unpleasant. However, before you make any firm decisions, it is important to think about the reasons why wisdom teeth often need to be removed. What are those reasons? This blog post discusses three of the most common.
They May Be Impacted
If you cannot see or feel your wisdom teeth, that does not mean you do not have them. Rather, they may be fully impacted (stuck beneath the gumline). In this position, they may contribute to a number of complications, including:
- Pain
- Cysts
- Swelling
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Difficulty fully opening your mouth
Removing the wisdom teeth can prevent such issues from occurring.
They May Only Partially Erupt
Partially impacted wisdom teeth may be slightly visible/touchable above the gumline. Just like fully impacted teeth, they may cause pain, cysts, and a range of other problems. However, they can also cause additional issues, such as:
- Oral hygiene problems. It can be difficult to fully clean partially impacted wisdom teeth. They may trap food around them, which can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Damaged to nearby teeth. Food that gets trapped around wisdom teeth can also affect nearby teeth and heighten their risk of decay.
Fully Erupted Wisdom Teeth Can Also Cause Problems
If your mouth has space for them, your wisdom teeth may fully erupt from the gumline. However, they are still at the back of the mouth and can be challenging to keep clean. If your mouth does not have space for them, they may still try to fully erupt. In the process, they may push against other teeth, causing pain. In some cases, the other teeth may even get pushed out of alignment.
Do Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Of course, the complications listed above do not happen to everyone who decides to keep their wisdom teeth. However, if your dentist or oral surgeon believes that your wisdom teeth are threatening your oral health, or that they may do so in the future, it would be wise to get them removed. Doing so can spare you from pain and protect your long-term wellness.
Wisdom tooth extractions are important for most people! Knowing the reasons behind this procedure can help you commit to it with confidence that it is the best thing for your oral health.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard are the oral surgeons in our Katy/Cypress practice. They are able to accept even complex wisdom tooth removal cases, and they always strive to make the procedure as comfortable and easy as possible for patients. To learn more about this service and the reasons behind it, get in touch with our office at 832-353-1100.