Wisdom teeth usually appear in most young adults between the ages of 17 and 21. However, evaluation of the wisdom teeth is recommended between the ages of 16 and 19 through the use of x-rays and during your general dental or orthodontic appointment. As young patients grow older, the bones in the mouth become harder which can make extraction in later years difficult.
A dentist may decide to remove wisdom teeth to prevent problems later on down the road, even if the patient is not experiencing any of the common symptoms seen with wisdom teeth discomfort. Let take a look at some of the common reasons we see that requires wisdom teeth extraction.
Common Causes for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth is one of the main reasons why we as dentists require removal. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge from the gums and develop normally alongside other adult teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause symptoms including:
- Swollen, Tender or Bleeding Gums
- Jaw and Ear Pain
- Swelling or Stiffness in the Jaw
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Often times, impacted wisdom teeth may not show any symptoms, however, dentists and oral surgeons may recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent issues later in life.
Irritation & Oral Pain
As wisdom teeth grow, they can cause aches and pains or refer pain elsewhere within the jaw or mouth. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, contact us at Skokie Dental Care for an exam or an x-ray. In our office, we can determine if the wisdom teeth or other factors are causing your pain. During your visit we can decide if extraction is the best solution.
Wisdom Teeth Grow in At Odd Angles
If the wisdom teeth grow in crooked, they can cause adjacent teeth to shift. Extraction can prevent wisdom teeth from causing damage to neighboring teeth. There are a handful of theories as to why wisdom teeth grow crooked often times grow sideways. It has been said that our jaws are not large enough to accommodate a 3rd molar. It may be a remnant of chewing needs humans had eons ago. Consider removing wisdom teeth before orthodontic treatment.
Cavities
Positioning of the wisdom teeth can make cleaning teeth more difficult. Wisdom teeth are often very far back in the mount and can be tough for toothbrushes to reach. Because of this, bacteria can collect on the teeth which can promote the development of cavities leading to infection.
Irritated Gums
When wisdom teeth begin to breach the surface of a patients gums it can create a flap of tissue. This gum tissue can collect higher levels of bacteria. An excess of bacteria can cause the gums to become inflamed. This is what is referred to as pericoronitis.
Skokie Dental Care can help provide our patients definite answers to whether or not wisdom teeth need to be removed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the status of your wisdom teeth, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.