Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Most dentists recommend wisdom tooth removal, but did you know that sometimes it is not required? In fact, it is beneficial to avoid oral surgery if the wisdom tooth is not affecting the oral health of a person. When the wisdom teeth properly erupt they provide support to the mouth and maintain the jaw bone. Wisdom teeth can also help maintain healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Remember that Wisdom tooth extraction is often done as a preventative measure. Wisdom teeth removal helps to avoid possible complications in future. If you are thinking about getting oral surgery then this is the best time to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist to select the best option.

There are a few scenarios in which keeping your wisdom teeth is of no concern:

  • Healthy wisdom teeth and no periodontal disease
  • Fully erupted wisdom teeth with no cavities
  • Eruption of wisdom teeth in the correct upright position
  • Proper hygiene of the wisdom teeth is possible

In most cases, wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly and can cause problems. Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. To confirm whether you need wisdom teeth extractions or not, come in for a consult with us at Wilsonville Dental Group.

Scenarios for Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you or a loved one in your family has severe pain at the back of the mouth then it may be a sign that the wisdom teeth have erupted. The first thing the dentist will do is advise you to get a panoramic x-ray of your mouth to check the position of the wisdom teeth. According to the growth, shape and health of other teeth, the dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal.

Remember that oral surgery of wisdom teeth is ideal at a young age. At this age the molars are healthy, and jawbones are not as hard so if you are still young then this is the best time for wisdom teeth extraction.

In the following cases, dentists may recommend wisdom teeth removal:

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

The wisdom teeth erupt after all other permanent teeth erupt. In this scenario, there are chances that these can cause a shifting of the position of other permanent teeth. This can lead to pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it hard to brush and floss efficiently. Later this will end up with cavities on the wisdom tooth as well as the adjacent tooth. The treatment should not be delayed, if you do so you have to undergo supplementary measures to remove decay.

Harm to the Jaw

Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause damage to the jawbones, it can affect the mouth’s function and movement. The wisdom teeth can limit mouth opening and cause pain even while talking. If this is the case, it is in your best interest to get oral surgery for wisdom teeth extraction.

Dental Sensitivity and Pain

Do you feel pain and sensitivity at the back of your mouth? If yes then you may have impacted wisdom teeth. It is crucial to visit the dentist for a proper oral examination to find the reasons for any toothache, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing feelings. There are greater chances that you may need your wisdom teeth to be removed.

Inflammed Gums

To achieve good oral health, we have to take care of the gums along with teeth. Gums can also suffer due to impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause periodontal disease when they erupt at an angle to the other teeth or horizontally. Wisdom teeth can cause inflammation of the gums making the area sensitive and prone to further periodontal disease effects.

The gum area becomes red and often feels tender to the touch, preventing adequate daily oral hygiene. If you will not brush and floss properly it will eventually lead to cavities and tooth decay. Consult with our dentists at Wilsonville Dental Group today and get your wisdom teeth extracted to mitigate other complications.