Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt. They’re located far back in the mouth and are used for heavy chewing.
Although beneficial, wisdom teeth may need to be removed in some situations. Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure. Your dentist can tell you if they deem it necessary for your case.
Why Do Dentists Recommend a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Here are some reasons why dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction, along with possible effects if problematic molars aren’t removed.
- Impaction. Sometimes, there’s not enough room to accommodate wisdom teeth, leaving them impacted or in an unideal position. They can either be trapped beneath the gums or partially erupted, which can cause discomfort and make cleaning more difficult. Food debris stuck around the molars or on their surfaces can lead to irritation, bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. Molars that don’t erupt properly can also apply pressure to the adjacent teeth and cause them to get crooked or misaligned.
- Jaw pain. The jaw can feel stiff and sore once wisdom teeth push against other teeth. You may also experience difficulties swallowing food or opening or moving your jaw. The gums can also swell and redden due to a partial wisdom tooth eruption. If food debris and harmful bacteria accumulate in the gum tissue, the area can become infected, especially since they’re tougher to keep clean. Jawbones can be damaged without immediate treatment, leading to compromised mouth function.
- Severe pain and sensitivity. Inadequate space can result in wisdom teeth coming in sideways or getting stuck in the gums. One sign your dentist looks for to determine if your wisdom teeth need removal is persistent pain; simply opening and closing the mouth can cause discomfort, and the pain only worsens over time. If wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly, they attract plaque and tartar build-up, making you more prone to dental problems.
- Cysts and tumors. Cysts and tumors may develop if impacted wisdom teeth aren’t treated and the area becomes infected. You may notice a sac of fluid that can also infect nearby structures. Severe cases, although rare, can lead to bone damage. Wisdom tooth impaction increases the chances of infection because their position and alignment make them hard to clean. They then become attractive hiding places for harmful bacteria.
- Swollen gums and cavities. As the gums around the impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth swell, they attract even more debris build-up. Decay and cavities can form on teeth and cause several other issues, such as intense pain, difficulty eating, and bad breath.
- Sinus problems. Molar eruptions can also affect the sinuses. The sinuses may become sore and congested due to wisdom teeth pushing against them. Additionally, this can lead to headaches and discomfort when chewing or biting. If you have these symptoms, your dentist may recommend removing your back molars.
- Prevention. Your dentist may also suggest wisdom tooth extraction even if the area isn’t painful or causing problems. This is to prevent potential problems from occurring in the future. The jaw may be too small to fit in all wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth may push against adjacent teeth. As a person ages, removing wisdom teeth can become more complex because the bone also becomes harder.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
No, not all wisdom teeth need removal. Your dentist can determine if you should consider an extraction. But if you’re already seeing issues with your back molars, don’t ignore them.
Schedule an oral examination to learn more about the condition of your teeth. For more information on wisdom tooth removal in Chilliwack, BC, contact us at Vita Dental Wellness.
Let’s book your visit so you can speak with one of our dentists about your dental concerns. They can explain to you in-depth what can happen if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed.
