Wisdom Teeth: Should They Be Removed?

While there are times when wisdom teeth grow in correctly and do not cause any oral health or cosmetic concerns, sometimes wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly. If wisdom teeth that grow in incorrectly begin to cause oral health concerns or have the potential to do so, they may need to be surgically removed.

When wisdom teeth should be removed

Many avoid the task of having their wisdom teeth out of fear of enduring the surgical procedure to remove them. However, there are times when wisdom teeth need to be removed. Below we will review a few scenarios in which it is likely wisdom teeth need to be surgically removed.

Teeth alignment issues

One of the most common reasons wisdom teeth need removal is that they are causing alignment issues with the other teeth. When wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly, they can place pressure upon other teeth, causing them all to shift — not just the ones closest to the wisdom teeth like you may assume. When this occurs, it can create the need for braces or cause misalignment of teeth that have already undergone a straightening procedure, which is know as orthodontic relapse.

Pain and swelling

It is normal for wisdom teeth coming through to cause some pain and perhaps even a little swelling of the gums. However, there are times when wisdom teeth can lead to a significant amount of pain and swelling, which lead to other, much larger oral health issues. In some instances when wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly, the pain and swelling may not go away without wisdom teeth extraction.  

Increased risk of cavities

Wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of cavities if they grow in incorrectly. When wisdom teeth come in, it can place pressure on other teeth and cause the gums to swell, which may make it harder to properly clean certain areas of the teeth.

Additionally, there may be an increased risk of developing an oral infection due to the gum swelling often caused by wisdom teeth coming through incorrectly, which is why it is important to have a dentist monitor and check the status of wisdom teeth.

Jaw complications

It is not uncommon for cysts to develop around new teeth, especially wisdom teeth. When cysts form, they can cause serious jaw complications if they are not properly dealt with in a timely manner. In some cases, untreated oral cysts can hollow out the jaw and damage nerves. In particular, wisdom teeth that come through improperly can cause an increased risk of the individual developing cysts that could lead to jaw complications.

The bottom line

By taking a dental X-ray of wisdom teeth, dentists can determine whether wisdom teeth are going to grow in incorrectly before any damage occurs. In order to ensure wisdom teeth do not cause any cosmetic or oral health concerns, talk to a dentist about the status of your wisdom teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://aestheticsmiles.com or call Aesthetic Dentistry of Noe Valley at (415) 493-9143 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction.

Related Posts

Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Unable To Break Through The Gums

Wisdom teeth cannot fit in the mouth. Four of your adult teeth are wisdom teeth. These teeth erupt after the second molars are already set in the back of the mouth. Because of this, wisdom teeth do not erupt the right way. Some of them cannot even break through the gums. If you want to…

FAQs About Wisdom Teeth

Dentists regularly field questions about wisdom teeth from patients and young patients’ parents. If you are approaching the age when extracting these teeth is common, you may be curious as well. There are a lot of reasons why dental professionals recommend removing these molars. As you understand more about these teeth, you may realize why…

Wisdom Teeth Extraction To Prevent Teeth Misalignment

There are numerous reasons why dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction, and one is to prevent teeth misalignment. Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the lower and upper parts of the jaw, behind the other molars on both sides. The teeth generally appear years after the other permanent teeth have come up. In…

Are Wisdom Teeth Necessary For Chewing?

You may have many questions about wisdom teeth and whether you should ask a dentist to remove them. This third set of molars can cause problems when they begin to erupt in the back of the mouth. While not everyone needs to have surgery to have them extracted, it may be good for your oral…

Related Posts

What Is A Smile Makeover?

What Is A Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…

How To Care For Invisalign Aligners

How To Care For Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…