Wisdom Teeth

What are Wisdom teeth?
As we grow older, our mouth and teeth go through various changes. One of the most common oral changes that many people experience is the growth of their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While they were once an essential part of our ancestral diet, they can now cause problems due to the size of our modern human jaws. In many cases, wisdom teeth need to be extracted to prevent further oral health problems. We will explore why someone may need to have their wisdom teeth extracted and the benefits of doing so.

Why do Wisdom teeth need to be extracted?

  1. Impaction: One of the main reasons for wisdom teeth extraction is impaction. This occurs when the wisdom teeth are unable to fully emerge from the gums, leading to discomfort and even infection.
  2. Crowding: Another common reason for wisdom tooth extraction is crowding. As our mouths become more crowded, there is simply not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in properly. This can lead to misalignment of the other teeth, causing discomfort and affecting the bite.
  3. Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth that are partially impacted or that have improper alignment can be difficult to clean properly, making them more susceptible to decay and gum disease.

What are the benefits of Wisdom tooth extraction?

  1. Prevent Future Oral Health Problems: By removing wisdom teeth, you can prevent further oral health problems such as decay, gum disease, and misalignment of the other teeth.
  2. Relieve Pain and Discomfort: If your wisdom teeth are causing pain and discomfort, extraction can quickly relieve these symptoms.
  3. Improve Bite Alignment: Crowded wisdom teeth can affect the alignment of your bite, leading to discomfort and even TMJ disorders. Extracting wisdom teeth can improve bite alignment and prevent future problems.
  4. Preserve the Health of Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth can also affect the health of adjacent teeth by pushing and damaging them. Extracting the wisdom teeth can preserve the health of your other teeth.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that can have numerous benefits for your oral health. By removing impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth, you can prevent further oral health problems, relieve pain and discomfort, improve bite alignment, and preserve the health of your other teeth. We can help determine if this is necessary for you!