Wisdom Teeth FAQ
June 30, 2023 3:13 amDoes the name “wisdom teeth” sound special, nice, or smart? Unfortunately, these third molars commonly cause problems and need to be removed. Keeping them won’t give you any extra wisdom! They get their name because they are the last teeth to emerge, typically in a patient’s late adolescence or early twenties.
When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Some patients don’t have wisdom teeth or they only have 1 or 2. If your third molars are coming in straight, aren’t pushing your other teeth out of alignment, and aren’t causing pain or infection, then you likely don’t need to get them removed! However, dentists often recommend extraction. Some reasons include if your wisdom teeth are impacted, growing in crooked, causing pain, or pushing into neighboring teeth.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is when the tooth isn’t able to fully emerge out of the gums. When a tooth is stuck under the gums or has only partially emerged, it can lead to an infection, a cyst, or damage to surrounding teeth.
How Do I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
There are a few warning signs you can look out for that can signal an issue with the wisdom teeth. First, pay attention to gum inflammation and swelling around your wisdom teeth. Another red flag is pain in your teeth or jaw that radiates to other areas of your face. Luckily, you might not experience all of these red flags. However, if you are around the ages of 17-26 and you notice any abnormalities or pain with your teeth and gums, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist.
Consult with Our Team!
If you have any questions about your wisdom teeth and the potential benefits of removing them, please contact us at Toland Dental! We provide gentle wisdom teeth extraction as part of our comprehensive services. We look forward to welcoming you to our Wynne dental office.
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Restorative Dentistry
