Wisdom Tooth Extractions — Should You Or Shouldn’t You Get Them Extracted?

Should you or shouldn’t you have your wisdom teeth extracted? The query may haunt your mind because you may want to decide on the actions to take or simply follow the recommendations of your dentist. However, it would help if you have some information in your possession to talk about the choices with your doctor about wisdom tooth extractions.

What Do You Need to Keep in Mind?

If you’re 16 of 19 years old have your dentist check your wisdom teeth.

You may be recommended to have the wisdom teeth extracted if they are causing pain or are infected, crowding other teeth, or are impacted and cannot break through your gums.

Some oral surgeons and dentists believe extracting impacted wisdom teeth is best before you’re 20 years old because the procedure is easier when the bones and roots are softer and not formed fully. The healing time from the procedure is also faster when you’re younger.

If you’re older than 30 you’re unlikely to have any problems with the wisdom teeth.

You’re not likely to encounter any problems with the wisdom teeth if they erupt properly and don’t cause any problems.

Wisdom Teeth — What Are They?

The upper and lower third molars are known as wisdom teeth and are located in the posterior region of your mouth. They are the final teeth to erupt in the mouth. As they erupt between the ages of 17 to 21 it is believed they have gained some wisdom and therefore called wisdom teeth.

Some people live with their wisdom teeth throughout their lives while many others decide to have them removed by undergoing a procedure with a dentist even before the teeth have broken through the gums.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Create?

If your jaw is not large to accommodate the wisdom teeth they may become impacted in the jaw and fail to break through your gums. An impacted wisdom tooth can create many problems such as pain, swelling, and infected flaps in your gums.

A tooth that has broken through the gums still has the potential to cause cavities and gum disease because they can be difficult to clean.

Most problems with wisdom teeth are encountered by individuals in the 15 to 25 age group. Problems with wisdom teeth over the age of 30 are rarely experienced to require removal of the same.

Most dentists believe you should have your wisdom teeth examined when you’re 16 to 19 years old.

Are There Any Risks Involved When Having Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

You will experience pain and swelling in your gums and tooth socket from where the tooth was extracted. Your gums may heal slowly and damage to any dental work such as crowns, bridges or to the roots of an adjacent tooth may also be experienced. The dentist conducting the procedure would have provided you instructions for caring for wisdom teeth extractions. If you follow the instructions stringently you will be able to overcome the problems within a few days.

When extracting an impacted wisdom tooth you will be administered general anesthesia and some problems associated with this anesthetic may be experienced in some situations. Other than the risks mentioned above, modern-day dentistry has made it possible to undergo the procedure of wisdom tooth extractions with ease and therefore you are not required to fear the procedure.

What Do Dentists Recommend about Having Wisdom Tooth Removed?

The dentist at Mercado dental care in Scottsdale may suggest you have the wisdom tooth extracted if they are causing pain or infections, they are impacted, or are crowding other teeth. The dentist will offer the recommendations only after taking dental x-rays, examining your oral and overall health and any other conditions before determining it is essential to have the wisdom tooth extracted.

However, if the dentist decides against extracting the wisdom teeth for any reason you must be prepared to care for your oral health stringently. Your risks of getting cavities are higher along with gum disease in the posterior region of your mouth because it is difficult to brush and floss. Apart from brushing and flossing every day, you must visit your dentist at least twice a year for examinations and cleanings and to detect any problems that may have developed to have them treated promptly.

Wisdom teeth extractions are essential if they are causing problems in your mouth but if not they can remain in place if you are prepared to follow proper oral hygiene care.