Your dentist says you need to have your wisdom teeth taken out. But they don’t hurt, so why remove them?Continue reading to learn why and when wisdom teeth need to be removed!
When Is Removal Needed?
When wisdom teeth cause problems, or X-rays show they might down the line, they need to come out. Other good reasons to take them out include:
- Damage to other teeth: That extra set of molars can push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain and bite problems.
- Jaw damage: Cysts can form around the new teeth. If they aren’t treated, they can hollow out your jaw and damage nerves.
- Sinus Issues: Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
- Inflamed Gums: Tissue around the area can swell and may be hard to clean.
- Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.
- Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding of other teeth and even make treatment to straighten other teeth necessary.
Your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to make a decision. Your age plays a role, too. This is because as you age, the bones in your mouth get harder, which makes your teeth tougher to remove. If you wait to remove your wisdom teeth, you could have problems after surgery that range from heavy bleeding and fractured teeth to severe numbness and minor loss of movement in your jaw.
Still not ready to pull the trigger? You can ask your dentist to explain what he sees with your teeth. In many cases, you can wait several months to see if things change before making your decision. But if you have pain or notice swelling or a bad odor near your back teeth, it may be time for a second look. If you need more information or want to schedule a check up or consultation, please contact us today!
