Dental health has come a long way in the last few hundred years. Not too long ago, tooth decay and searing pain was extremely common. This often resulted in pulling teeth (by extremely unsanitary and painful methods) and installing false teeth made of makeshift material. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore.
Nowadays, dental hygiene has improved the health of the general population immensely, and dental care and procedures have become commonplace. One such procedure, specifically for young adults, is the removal of their wisdom teeth. But what exactly are wisdom teeth? And why do they so often need to be removed? Keep reading to learn why your wisdom teeth could pose a silent threat to the health of your smile.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the farthest-back teeth in your mouth. For a large percentage of people, they never fully erupt, or break the surface, fitting into your row of teeth. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth won’t make you any wiser – they are simply named because they develop much later in life than the rest of your permanent teeth. For the average person, wisdom teeth come in around age 17-21. Because their placement is so far back in the mouth, unfortunately, they can cause issues in certain cases.
Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It is important to note that not every individual needs their wisdom teeth removed. There are cases when wisdom teeth pose no threat to your gums, jaw, or surrounding teeth, and they can be left alone. However, to make sure they do not cause issues further down the road, wisdom teeth that are left to grow in must be: healthy, straightly aligned, part of a correct bite with their opposing teeth, grown in completely, and able to be easily cleaned. Your dentist should be able to tell you clearly and easily whether your wisdom teeth pose a threat.
If they do, which is likely, you’ll have to have them removed. Here are the primary reasons why:
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- They can cause damage. If your wisdom teeth do not fully emerge from your gums, they can wreak havoc on various other parts of your mouth. Cysts can form surrounding the new teeth, which can cause damage to your gums and even your jaw. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, or trapped like a wedge, in your jaw and cause pain and bite problems.
- Cavities can develop. Untreated wisdom teeth can cause your gums to swell. This, in turn, creates pockets between the teeth where bacteria can fester. Simply removing your wisdom teeth might reduce gum swelling in such a way that the risk of cavities is significantly lower.
- Angled wisdom teeth can cause misalignment. Oftentimes, if wisdom teeth erupt through your gum line, they will do so at an angle – even sideways. This angle can be extremely difficult to clean, as well as put crowding pressure on nearby teeth. This crowding can cause damage, cavities, or disruption of any orthodontic treatment you have undergone. Wisdom teeth can spell bad news for the straightness of your smile.
Prioritize Your Oral Health with Accent Dental Group
To learn more about your wisdom teeth, or to have a consultation to determine their status, contact the dentists at Accent Dental Group. We prioritize your health and satisfaction, and we are happy to discuss the possible treatment options and give our professional advice from years of experience helping patients like you. Our friendly staff and advanced dental technology will provide all the tools and advice you need to keep your smile safe and healthy. Find out more at our website: accentdentalgroup.com.