Your dentist recommended that you should have your wisdom teeth extracted. But if they are not causing you any discomfort, you may be wondering why you need to have them removed. Just because your wisdom teeth are pain-free does not mean everything is okay.
You may have impacted wisdom teeth, which means they cannot emerge from your jaw into your mouth. Also, your mouth may be too small to accommodate them. Furthermore, the wisdom teeth may grow at an angle and push against other teeth, leading to potential damage.
Preventive Efforts
Your dentist may recommend proactively removing your healthy wisdom teeth to avoid future issues. As you age, your jaw bones harden, making it more difficult to extract your teeth.
If you delay removing your wisdom teeth, you risk complications during surgery. These include heavy bleeding, numbness, fractured teeth, and impaired jaw movement. These complications could be temporary or permanent.
Why You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
It might be a great idea to have your wisdom teeth removed even if they are not currently causing discomfort or issues. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make you wise. They can lead to several problems.
For those not experiencing typical symptoms of wisdom teeth, the question arises whether or not they should go through with removal. Is it necessary to remove all wisdom teeth simply because it has become a common practice? Is it more of a preventative measure? Here are reasons why you may need to schedule a dental visit for wisdom teeth extraction:
Damage to Nearby Teeth
When wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause existing teeth to shift position. That can lead to bite problems, pain, overcrowding, and difficulty brushing and flossing. This can result in tooth decay or cavities. Additional procedures may be necessary to straighten the affected neighboring teeth if left untreated.
Inflamed Gums
Wisdom teeth that emerge at an angle or horizontally can cause the gums to become inflamed and difficult to clean. This can lead to soreness and redness along the gumline, preventing proper brushing and flossing. Ultimately, it can result in tooth decay or cavities.
Damage to the Jawbone
Wisdom teeth can cause damage to the jawbone if they grow impacted within the jaw. They can alter the position of other teeth and even the jawline. This can restrict the mouth's opening and result in pain. Additionally, cysts may form along the newly erupted molars. The cysts may damage the nerves of neighboring teeth and hollow out the jawbones if left untreated.
Sensitivity and Pain
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain and sensitivity. Ignoring any sensitivity, toothaches, or throbbing sensations can lead to more significant problems. If pain occurs at the back of the mouth while eating or brushing, it may indicate the emergence of wisdom teeth.
Sinus Issues
Impacted wisdom teeth can affect the sinuses and cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. It is best to pay attention to any symptoms to maintain overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Still uncertain about having your wisdom teeth extracted? Schedule an appointment with your dentist to better understand your dental situation. Sometimes, you can wait a few months before making a final decision. But if you are feeling any discomfort or swelling or a foul odor near your back molars, it may be necessary to reconsider the removal of your wisdom teeth.
For more information on wisdom teeth extraction, visit Weston Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at our Weston, Florida office. Call (954) 507-6441 to schedule an appointment today.
