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Signs to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed 

What is the purpose of wisdom teeth? Scholars think that wisdom teeth evolved due to consuming raw meats, vegetables, and roots. Some people develop their third set of molars between 17 and 21, sometimes known as the wisdom years. However, they are not always functional and might clutter the mouth or cause future difficulties. Today on the blog, our dentist in Lexington KY shares signs to get wisdom teeth removed. 

Evaluation of Wisdom Teeth in Young Adults

Between the ages of 17 and 21, wisdom teeth typically emerge. Therefore, it is advised that the wisdom teeth be evaluated for the first time between the ages of 16 and 19. Our Lexington KY Dentist explains that the bones in your mouth get more challenging as you age, making them difficult to remove.

Even if the patient is not suffering typical symptoms, some dentists choose to remove wisdom teeth to avoid future issues.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In certain circumstances, wisdom teeth are “impacted,” meaning they do not have enough room to emerge from the gums and develop correctly.

Impacted wisdom teeth can produce a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Gums that are swollen, tender, or bleeding
  • Jaw ache
  • Jaw Swelling or Tenderness
  • Breathing Problems
  • You’re having trouble opening your mouth.
  • Although affected wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms in certain circumstances, dentists and oral surgeons may advise removing impacted wisdom teeth to avoid future problems.

Inadequate Development

When wisdom teeth come in, they might take too much space in the mouth. Braces cannot be used to straighten these teeth. Our friends over at Bookcliff Family Dental, dentist in Grand Junction, explain that this technique can be performed to make the teeth fit together when the mouth is overcrowded. The only alternative is for them to be eliminated. Your Lexington dentist can tell you which teeth may need to be removed. They may have to remove all of them or only a few.

There are generally 28 teeth in the mouth before wisdom teeth appear. There will be 32 teeth when the wisdom teeth have grown in. There may not be enough space in everyone’s mouths to accommodate the extra teeth, which can cause pain and discomfort. Wisdom tooth extraction is advised to avoid or remove common symptoms such as:

Irritation and Pain

Wisdom teeth can cause aches and pains as they grow in. If you are in pain or discomfort, see your dentist near me for an examination and x-rays. They can tell if the discomfort is caused by the wisdom teeth or anything else. Extraction is not always the best option, as determined by your dentist. The pain may subside with time, and no extraction will be necessary.

Eating Difficulties

If you suffer pain when eating, this might be a sign that your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Food might become lodged between the gums and the crowns of the teeth. This might lead to many issues if you can’t get to the back of your mouth and clean thoroughly while brushing. The most straightforward approach to deal with this issue is to consult with a dentist to locate the right things to solve it. If the problem cannot be resolved, an extraction may be the only option.

A Cyst Around the Tooth

A cyst is formed when a sac adjacent to the teeth fills with fluid. It can harm bones, roots, and adjacent structures if left untreated. If it grows exceptionally severe, it might develop into a tumor and necessitate further surgery.

Teeth Are Not Perfectly Straight

If the wisdom teeth come in incorrectly, the other teeth may shift and migrate over. They may potentially cause harm to the other teeth. Extraction can save other teeth from becoming damaged. There are several ideas as to why wisdom teeth emerge crooked and sideways. Our jaws are supposed to be too small to accommodate a third molar, which then knocks against the others, forcing it to develop sideways. You might also consider removing wisdom teeth before starting orthodontic treatment to give more room to adjust misalignments.

Sinus Problems

Wisdom teeth can cause several sinus issues. These issues emerge as teeth on the upper jaw grow in. When teeth grow and roots form, they can push and rub against the sinuses, causing pressure to build up. Even though this is not a common occurrence, wisdom teeth can occasionally cause sinus discomfort, anxiety, headaches, and congestion.

Cavities

The placement of wisdom teeth can significantly influence cleaning surfaces where germs can lurk. For example, if the gums get inflamed, spaces between the teeth can form, allowing germs to proliferate. This will then stimulate the formation of cavities, which will lead to infection.

Gum Inflammation

When wisdom teeth emerge, they might cause a flap of gum tissue to form close to the tooth. This gum tissue can capture microscopic particles of food and microorganisms. As a result, the tissue surrounding the teeth might become stiff and irritated, making cleaning difficult. This is known as pericoronitis, and it can also happen around wisdom teeth that are still beneath your gums.

Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?

Some people have their wisdom teeth for the rest of their life. It is not advised to remove any teeth since there is a risk of the teeth moving. You should not be concerned about getting them removed if they are not giving you any trouble. If they must be extracted, they may have to be extracted two at a time (all of the top teeth or all of the bottom teeth), or they may have to be out all at once. This is the preferred choice to avoid having to schedule a second visit.

Whatever the state of your teeth, seeing your dentist regularly can help you avoid uncomfortable situations in the future. Maintaining a good dental regimen, as well as a balanced diet, will keep your mouth healthy and pain-free. In addition, brushing, flossing, and using a decent mouthwash regularly will maintain your smile free of illness and discomfort. Most essential, make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions.