Does Everyone Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

During your lifetime, your body goes through a laundry list of changes, your mouth included.

One major change that occurs in most adults between the ages of 17 and 22 is the emergence of their third molars, often called wisdom teeth, due to their appearance at such a mature age in one's life.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Issues

• Cyst Formation: If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can form a cyst on or around the site of the impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause damage to the roots of other teeth and the bone that supports your teeth.
• Risk Of Infection: Wisdom teeth that partially come through your gums can give bacteria a place to rest inside your gums, which can cause infection, leading to pain, swelling, and even stiffness in your jaw.
• Overcrowding: When wisdom teeth come in, often your mouth is not big enough to accommodate your new teeth, which causes your teeth to move, which in turn causes overcrowding, crooked teeth, and headaches.
• Cavities: Wisdom teeth that are not in the correct position or crooked can allow food to become trapped inside the new space created. This gives bacteria room to grow, ultimately leading to cavities.
• Tooth Damage: When your teeth are overcrowded and being moved by the growth of your wisdom teeth, it can cause your teeth to rub and grind against one another. This could lead to your teeth chipping, cracking, or becoming worn down beyond repair.

Getting Them Removed

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common tooth extraction procedures that happens today. There are several reasons for having your wisdom teeth removed.

• Jaw Pain
• Chronic Headaches
• Cyst Formation
• Neighboring Tooth Damage
• Severe Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease

Also, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed as a recommendation as part of treatment for braces or other dental procedures.

Before you make any decisions, be sure to visit our office for a complete examination of your mouth, including X-rays, to determine if you will need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.