For many people, wisdom tooth extractions are a rite of passage into adulthood. These troublesome third molars typically begin emerging in a person’s late teens or early twenties, and they can cause a range of oral health issues that can lead to more serious problems later on. Here’s a brief overview of three reasons why wisdom tooth extractions may be necessary.
The Mouth Doesn’t Have Enough Room
One of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth removal is that the mouth simply does not have enough space to accommodate them. If the wisdom teeth are allowed to force their way into a mouth that doesn’t have sufficient room, they can cause dental crowding that leads to constant aching pain in the molars. Extractions are often the best way to preserve a patient’s oral health and restore their comfort in such cases.
Preserving Dental Alignment
If the mouth doesn’t have enough room for the wisdom teeth, they can push their neighboring teeth out of alignment, which can make them harder to clean, easier to injure, and more likely to become infected. This can be especially frustrating for patients who have previously received orthodontic treatments, as the problem can ruin their hard-won results. In these cases, wisdom tooth extraction can be the best way to preserve the health and appearance of the smile.
Preventing Oral Infections
If the wisdom teeth grow in sideways or fail to emerge from the gums completely, they are considered impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth create pockets in the gum tissue that can shelter colonies of harmful oral bacteria, and this can lead to issues like gum disease and jawbone erosion. Extracting the wisdom teeth may be the most effective way to eliminate these risks so the patient can enjoy many years of excellent oral health.
While learning that you need your wisdom teeth extracted can be alarming, it is often the best way to spare you pain and preserve your oral health. If your dentist recommends extraction, you can be sure that it is in your best interest.
About the Practice
Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas offers outstanding oral healthcare to patients of all ages. Led by Drs. Shayan Azimi and Jay Patel, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary courtesy alongside old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extraction services. If your wisdom teeth have been giving you trouble, contact the practice online or dial (469) 981-1700.