• 12 AUG 21
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    Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Pulled?

    Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Pulled?

     Between the ages of 17 and 25, many people get a third set of molars. These “wisdom teeth,” are supposed to emerge just in back of the other molars, but they often become problematic – even if you have the best oral health. Often, the wisdom teeth don’t erupt through the gums at all and become impacted. This usually happens because the jaw is too small to fit four extra teeth.

    When wisdom teeth problems arise, dentists often recommend removing them, and following are a few reasons why this may be the “wisest” thing to do.

     

    Cavities

    Wisdom teeth that only partially erupt through the gums are difficult to clean and are more at risk for cavities. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene at home and keep regular cleaning appointments to prevent decay. Impacted wisdom teeth become decayed because they’re hard to reach with your toothbrush. Fluid-filled cysts or tumors occasionally form around the bottom of an impacted wisdom tooth, causing damage to the jawbone, and affecting the nerves and nearby teeth.

     

    Wisdom Teeth Can Negatively Impact Nearby Teeth

    Wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles because of crowding. This pushes them into adjacent molars and causes misalignment due to the crowding. It’s not unusual for wisdom teeth to be crooked or sideways in the jaw, keeping them from erupting into the mouth properly. Infection can be the result.   Healthy teeth can be damaged as wisdom teeth that are impacted in the gum push against the neighboring second molars.

     

    Gum Disease

    Any part of the mouth that is difficult to keep clean becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that causes gum disease. With wisdom teeth sitting at the very back of the mouth, they are difficult, if not impossible, to reach. Bacteria around the impacted tooth can lead to gum disease and enter your bloodstream, adversely affecting your heart and other organs of your body.

     

    Infection

    Impacted wisdom teeth can also become infected. Signs of such an infection include red or swollen gums, jaw pain, swelling around the jaw and difficulty opening the mouth. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS should be consulted immediately if these symptoms occur.

     

    Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

     How do you know if your wisdom teeth have come in?  At your routine examinations every six months, Dr. Evanson will closely monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth as you reach your late teenage years. Each patient is unique, therefore dental x-rays and oral examinations will reveal whether wisdom teeth will be a problem as you enter adulthood. She can teach you what to look for and what to expect when your wisdom teeth erupt.

     

    When wisdom teeth cause problems, removing them is the “wisest” thing to do. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) wisdom teeth are also easier to remove when you’re younger, because the roots are not completely developed and the bones around the teeth aren’t as dense. This means there’s less chance of damaging surrounding nerves, teeth or bone during removal.

     

    If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, consult with Dr. Evanson about the advisability of having them removed. Together, you can discuss the best course of treatment for your specific situation and she will answer any questions you have about your wisdom teeth. If you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, you will need to have them monitored regularly to make sure they aren’t causing any oral health issues.

     

    To make an appointment at our Parker dentist’s office, please call (720) 409-0008 or contact us online. Be wise, and don’t wait until your wisdom teeth become problematic!  Give us a call today.  

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