The removal of wisdom teeth has become a common dental surgery in the United States. But some patients wonder why they need their wisdom teeth removed. After all, growing your wisdom teeth is a natural process, much like having your baby teeth fall out, so why do they need to be removed? However, you’d need your wisdom teeth removed for several dental reasons. Let’s look at the more common signs of wisdom tooth problems and what to expect if your wisdom teeth need extraction.
What Are Your Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your very back set of molars. These teeth come in later in life, which is why they’re called “wisdom teeth,” as they come in near adulthood. However, wisdom teeth come with a slew of issues. Most people need their wisdom teeth removed due to jaw size and to avoid over-crowding. You can keep your wisdom teeth if they are healthy, are growing in correctly or fully grown, and are easy to clean. However, for many people, developing their wisdom teeth comes with a whole list of problems.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Wisdom teeth are removed if you lack space in your mouth, as they can cause dental pain, crowding, and bite shift. Sometimes, your wisdom teeth may be impacted, meaning they are not growing correctly or even growing sideways. If your teeth are growing crooked or causing pain, you’ll likely need them extracted.
Other indicators that you’ll need your wisdom teeth removed include signs of infection, such as swelling and redness or cysts. Thankfully, wisdom teeth removal is a common surgery, and you can eat fine without your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will discuss whether or not it’s feasible to keep your wisdom teeth. Much of this depends on the size of your mouth, the damage to your other teeth, and the health of your wisdom teeth.
Even if you have just enough room to fit your wisdom teeth, your dentist may suggest removing them to leave space in your mouth. It can also be challenging to clean your wisdom teeth properly, so if you are prone to dental hygiene issues or infections, your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth.
Thankfully, removing your wisdom teeth is a reasonably straightforward procedure. While you will have a short recovery time, you should be able to return to work a few days after your surgery, so long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid certain foods.
After surgery, keep an eye out for signs of infection. If you develop a fever, intense swelling, an ache in your jaw that will not go away, or any other sign of infection, contact your dental team immediately.
If you have concerns about wisdom teeth, call our dental office at (845) 434-1202. We’d be happy to discuss your treatment options with you. Here at South Fallsburg Dental, our patient’s comfort and care are our top priority. So make an appointment today and visit our office to get to know our friendly, professional dental team and get the dental care you deserve.