Technically, there are no hard or fast rules stating a person has to have their wisdom teeth removed. Dentists, for the most part, prefer removing wisdom teeth when a patient is between the ages of 18 and 24 because this is when two-thirds of the root of the wisdom tooth is likely to have formed. The question is: how do you know when removing your wisdom teeth is necessary?
Understanding Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Your wisdom teeth may never have to be removed, there are people who have them come in with no issues. If your jaw has no room for the teeth to grow in, however, you will need to have them removed to prevent overcrowding and possible movement. If your wisdom teeth are growing in sideways, they can also move your other teeth because they press against them. Another reason you may have to have your wisdom teeth removed is that they are impacted, and while they don't hurt, you can't reach them to keep them clean and prevent cavities.
Your Oral Health Is In Danger
Sometimes you need to have your wisdom teeth removed because they can have a negative effect on the rest of your mouth or body. For example, wisdom teeth issues can cause problems with your sinuses. You can experience pain and congestion that will be alleviated with their removal. Your gums may become inflamed or even form cysts around the teeth trying to cut through which can cause nerve damage.
If your gums are swollen around your teeth, then they can cause cavities because you can't get to the bacteria between them. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, then they can mess with the way your teeth line up and be detrimental to dental work you've had in the past.
Preventative Surgery
In some cases, your dentist might make the decision to remove your wisdom teeth to prevent future problems. They can see from the size of your mouth and the way they are angled beneath the jaw if they are going to be a problem for you later on. Even if you can't see them or they aren't causing you pain, they could already be affecting the alignment of your teeth and later on could cause problems with your jaw.
Your dentist will look at all the factors with the way your teeth are coming in and the room you have in your mouth to determine if they need to remove your wisdom teeth. Sometimes you might have to have all four taken out, sometimes it's just one or two. It's important to know your dentist is looking out for the health of your mouth, and it's a good idea to take their advice when they tell you it might be time to remove them.
For more information, contact local professionals like Bradley T Piotrowski DDS MSD LLC.
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