A wisdom tooth extraction is necessary if the wisdom teeth are causing problems with the patient’s oral health, function or the ability to correct their teeth alignment. Some dentists may recommend wisdom tooth extraction as a precautionary treatment to ensure that the wisdom teeth do not cause issues in the future.
The most notable times when wisdom tooth extraction is necessary include when one or more of the teeth become impacted or if they pose an oral health risk, bite complications, or trouble eating or for orthodontic considerations. The following is a review of why it is necessary in each case and what the benefits are of having the wisdom teeth removed when necessary.
Wisdom teeth may require removal if they are impacted. Partially or fully impacted teeth can cause oral health concerns. Specifically, if they partially emerge, then they may cause the gums to open and food and bacteria can become trapped, increasing the risk of an oral infection and dental cavities. Fully impacted teeth may grow in sideways and cause crowding issues, which may make orthodontic treatment more of a challenge. Subsequently, many dentists and orthodontists recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent issues later.
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause functional issues and make eating more of a challenge. In some instances, the wisdom teeth may constantly press on the gums, leading to gum discomfort and gum swelling. Wisdom teeth sometimes push against the molars as well, leading to increased pressure and more challenges while eating and brushing teeth. If bite complications develop as a result of fully emerged wisdom teeth, then they may need extraction.
Bite complications can create issues eating, and food may become trapped in pockets that form in the gums. When this occurs, the risk of an infection is much higher. Many patients experience gum swelling, gum sensitivity, swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat before they have their wisdom teeth extracted. Subsequently, if the dentist feels that the wisdom teeth may lead to a higher risk of an oral infection, they are likely to recommend removal.
Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth into a more ideal alignment. One of the primary causes of orthodontic-related concerns is overcrowding. The existence and growth of wisdom teeth can make overcrowding worse, as they take up more space in the jaw. Subsequently, dentists often recommend wisdom tooth extraction to one or more wisdom teeth if they do not allow teeth to properly shift into an ideal alignment during orthodontic treatment. The extraction takes place at the beginning of treatment, before the braces or clear aligners are worn.
If you feel that you may need one or more wisdom teeth extracted for any reason, then give us a call to arrange a consultation visit. We are glad to answer your questions, and our friendly team can guide you through each step of the process to ensure that you are comfortable and safe throughout treatment.
Are you considering wisdom tooth extraction in the Lakewood area? Get more information at https://www.leixdental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Lakewood, IL.
Understanding that tooth extraction is the last option for removing one or more permanent teeth is important. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime and thus need to be saved whenever possible. In addition, wisdom teeth often require extraction to support a healthy mouth. The only way to know if a tooth extraction is necessary…
Suffering from a missing tooth? As uncommon as it may sound, a lot of people actually experience tooth loss at one point or another, whether it be a result of decay, accident or injury. Thankfully, there are a good amount of replacement options that dentists can present to patients. For the longest time, dentures were…
A toothache is often the first sign that you need to visit the emergency dentist. If the toothache persists for more than a few days, you could be dealing with an infected tooth or worse. Without treatment, the situation may worsen and cause eventual tooth loss. The dentist will examine the tooth to learn the…
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
Certain cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening can be performed to address issues that affect multiple teeth at once.Let us look at a few of the cosmetic dental services that can be used to improve the aesthetics of more than one tooth simultaneously.Teeth whitening treatments are among the fastest ways to improve how a person’s…