If you’re between the ages of 17 and 25 and have noticed that you’ve developed a throbbing jaw or have inflamed gums behind your molars, there’s a good chance your wisdom teeth have arrived. These late bloomers show up years after your other permanent pearly whites have grown in and tend to cause issues when they do.
Typically, your dentist tries to do everything they can to preserve your natural teeth rather than remove them. However, because wisdom teeth are considered a vestigial feature (meaning they no longer serve a functional purpose), many dentists recommend having them extracted. It can come as a surprise when your dentist recommends this procedure, but it’s often necessary to preserve your oral health.
Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why it’s a good idea to have them taken out!
Reason #1: Overcrowding
Did you know our ancestors’ mouths were larger than the average person’s in our contemporary culture? Over time, humans’ mouths became smaller, and jaw sizes decreased. That means many people today don’t have enough room in their mouths to accommodate these extra teeth. As a result, these molars tend to shove their neighbors out of the way as they push toward the surface of your gums.
Unfortunately, overcrowded teeth are harder to keep clean because you can’t easily access all surfaces to brush and floss them. This leaves you at an increased risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. By taking the culprits out before they try to push through, your dentist can safeguard your smile.
Reason #2: Infection
Another common challenge with wisdom teeth is that they only partially erupt above your gumline. Harmful bacteria and leftover bits of food you eat can easily become trapped against them and penetrate under the surface. This can cause inflammation and infection that’s difficult to treat once it sets in. It can easily spread throughout your mouth or even enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body.
Your dentist can prevent this by surgically removing your wisdom teeth, so you won’t have to worry about developing this issue.
Reason #3: Cysts
Many wisdom teeth appear at odd angles so they cannot push through your gums. They become trapped in your jaw and become impacted which causes a cyst to form inside of your jawbone. This fluid-filled bubble can destroy your bone tissue and surrounding pearly whites if it’s left unaddressed.
Fortunately, your dentist can easily spot problems with these last molars on an X-ray and surgically remove them to avoid this dilemma.
As you can see, there are several advantages to having your wisdom teeth extracted that keep your grin in excellent condition!
About the Practice
At Care 32 Dental of Fort Worth, patients benefit from three highly skilled dentists who offer various services all under one roof. They have decades of combined experience handling everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, like tooth extractions. They combine a personable approach with advanced dental technology to enhance patient comfort and increase the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re a young adult and you’re concerned about problematic wisdom teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 741-1300.