Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are not so much a sign of wisdom, as they are a sign of age. They normally begin to erupt when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. For some, they pose no problems. For others it can be a painful nightmare that doesn’t end until the teeth are removed.

Because the mouth normally only has enough room for the primary 28 teeth, the addition of the wisdom teeth can actually crowd the other teeth, potentially damaging them and the surrounding jaw bone.

Preventative Care

Even if the wisdom teeth do not cause pain, they can still push against neighboring teeth. As time passes, if the wisdom tooth comes in sideways or is impacted, it can cause the other teeth to shift, throwing off a person’s bite and causing teeth to crack or break. Many dentists encourage their patients to have their wisdom teeth removed before they start to cause problems. This eliminates the need to repair damage that may eventually be caused by the crowded conditions.

There are several reasons a dentist may recommend having the wisdom teeth removed, including:

  • Chronic pain and discomfort of the gums, jaw and teeth – Chronic pain is often the result of the teeth being forcibly shifted out of place as a wisdom tooth tries to push through the gums
  • Cysts that form near the wisdom tooth – Cysts can form near a wisdom tooth, causing pain and infection that can damage other teeth, parts of the jaw and the gums
  • Wisdom teeth come in sideways or are impacted – Because of the close quarters in the mouth with all the other teeth, a wisdom tooth often comes in sideways, which can result in it becoming lodged or impacted between the jawbone and other teeth
  • Not enough space in the mouth or along the jaw – A wisdom tooth is large compared to the other teeth and there may not be enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to fit comfortably without causing the other teeth to shift

Having the wisdom teeth removed, not only relieves discomfort, the procedure can protect you from recurring infections and chronic mouth pain.

What Are the Benefits of Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Even though you may be having no discomfort, pain or infection related to the eruption of your wisdom teeth, you may choose to have them removed as a preventative measure. By having them taken out as soon as they begin to erupt, you minimize the risk of damage to neighboring teeth, as well as the jawbone. The longer they remain in place, the longer the other teeth will be exposed to extremely tight and unyielding conditions. This can eventually lead to breakage or the shifting of teeth that may require orthodontic appliances to correct.

Another benefit of having the wisdom teeth removed is that it reduces your risk of infection or abscess if the wisdom teeth do not come in properly, leaving open flesh along the gum line. Trapped food particles in these areas can lead to abscesses which can affect not only the nearby teeth but the gums and jaw bone as well.

Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry

If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or those of your children, please visit Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry in Miami. Doctor Fornaris and Doctor Esparragoza will consult with you to determine what your risks are when it comes to wisdom teeth and whether or not you should have them removed.