At your last routine checkup, did your dentist say you needed to get your wisdom teeth removed? If they’re not causing you any discomfort, you may be wondering if the procedure is even necessary. Since there’s no pain, it should be no problem leaving them in – right? Well, that’s not necessarily true in all cases. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what wisdom teeth are and the problems that can arise if you postpone their removal.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that are located at the very back of our mouths. Many years ago, they were critical for our ancestors because they survived on a diet of raw meat, nuts, roots, berries, and leaves. Since they didn’t have the cutlery to chop and prepare food, chewing tough and coarse foods required a larger jaw and strong molars. However, our jawline naturally became less broad and smaller over time because of how food is prepared and consumed today. Now, wisdom teeth are longer considered necessary. Most people tend to get them in their late teens and early twenties. If they’re healthy and properly aligned they can be a valuable asset. But in most cases, they’re misaligned and require removal to prevent further problems.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Wisdom teeth removal is recommended to prevent short-term and long-term problems, such as:
- Damage to the surrounding teeth. The additional set of molars can move other teeth around, resulting in pain and bite problems.
- Jaw damage. If left untreated, cysts that form around your wisdom teeth can hollow out your jaw and damage the nerves.
- Sinus issues. Problems caused by the extra set of molars can contribute to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
- Gum inflammation. The tissue around your wisdom teeth can swell, making it difficult to clean.
- Cavities. Swollen gums can create pockets between the teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and causing cavities to form.
- Misalignment. Impacted wisdom teeth can make your teeth, meaning orthodontic treatment will be necessary to straighten them.
How Do You Know If You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Are you unsure whether you need wisdom teeth removal? You should contact your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:
- Pain towards the back of the mouth
- Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
- Fluid-filled sacs or cysts
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Damage to remaining teeth
- Extensive tooth decay in the molars
Did your dentist say that wisdom teeth removal is the best course of action for your oral health? If so, don’t hold off on scheduling the procedure. By getting it done as soon as possible, you can spare yourself plenty of time and pain down the road!
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we strive to give every patient the exceptional, personalized dental care they deserve. Our goal is to make every dentist appointment as comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal, we’re more than happy to answer them for you. Visit our website or call our office to speak to a member of our team.