Wisdom Teeth are simply a third set of molars that typically mature and become problematic between the ages of 17 and 25. Unless you’re one of the lucky few born without wisdom teeth, you’re likely going to need wisdom teeth removal for a few reasons.
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Many individuals experience impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth is a fancy way of saying your teeth are caught in your jawbone or gums, which can be quite painful.
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Wisdom teeth are unpredictable! They often times come in at the wrong angle and can press against your other teeth. Incorrectly angled wisdom teeth can lead to pain or cause previously fixed teeth to become crooked.
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Finally, some people do not have a big enough mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth or have gum disease that can be made worse by the growth of wisdom teeth.
Only your dentist can tell for sure whether your wisdom teeth should be removed, so it is important to schedule regular dental exams. Often individuals needing their wisdom teeth removed are symptom free. Your dentist can help determine whether or not your teeth are impacted. An oral evaluation can determine if your mouth is large enough to make room for additional teeth, and x-rays will show if your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle to your current molars.
Don’t miss your oral hygiene appointments with your dentist and regular assessments of your wisdom teeth!
The easiest time to remove your wisdom teeth is before the root is fully formed. It becomes way more difficult to do an extraction than when only the crowns have developed. Teeth grow from the crown down to the root, so if you get it done before the root develops, then the surgery is easier with less recovery time. Also, as you age, the bones in your jaw become harder and it becomes more difficult to remove your wisdom teeth.
Don’t worry if your dentist recommends removal of your wisdom teeth. While the procedure is not pain free, pain symptoms should subside within a week following the procedure. Pain can be managed with both prescription and non-prescription medications. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to see if removal is the right next step for you.