Discovering the Advantages of Removing Your Wisdom Teeth

The emergence of wisdom teeth, or third molars, often marks a pivotal moment in a person's dental journey. These latecomers to the scene usually appear in the back of your mouth between ages 17 and 21. Due to their arrival during the stage of life known as "the Age of Wisdom," they are commonly referred to as your "wisdom teeth." While some wisdom teeth can coexist peacefully with the rest of your teeth, others may require extraction due to various issues. In fact, wisdom tooth pain is often the main reason young adults seek urgent dental care.

Identifying the Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

• Pain
• Infections
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Gum disease
• Advanced tooth decay

The back of your mouth can be quite limited in space, making it more challenging for wisdom teeth to emerge without causing problems. Although our prehistoric ancestors had larger jaws that could accommodate these teeth, human jaws have evolved to be smaller over time. This change is likely due to the rise of softer diets and increased brain size.

A tooth is considered impacted when it remains partially or fully submerged under gum tissue or bone, unable to erupt into its proper position. The degree of impaction depends on the amount and type of overlying tissue. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue, while bony impactions are present if a tooth is partially or fully obstructed by bone.

In addition to their frequency and poor alignment, keeping your third molars clean can be quite challenging. As they are located in the far back of your mouth, these teeth are more prone to bacterial accumulation, dental disease, and infection. Our office may recommend extracting your third molars to help prevent these oral health issues from occurring, thereby preserving the overall well-being of your gums and neighboring teeth. By removing the need to navigate hard-to-reach areas, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes much simpler and more effective.

In rare cases, wisdom teeth may contribute to the formation of cysts or tumors around the impacted tooth. This can lead to significant damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth.

At our office, we will closely monitor the development, positioning, and health of your unerupted and erupted wisdom teeth during every dental checkup visit. For teens and adults alike, it's often recommended that potentially problematic third molars be extracted before a painful or complicated emergency arises. If symptoms or problems develop, we will promptly provide treatment and recommend extractions as necessary.

The Benefits of Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth

• Reduced risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay
• Elimination of pain and discomfort associated with impacted teeth
• Prevention of potential damage to adjacent teeth
• Lower likelihood of infection or abscess formation

Our dedicated staff at the office of Stratford Family Dental is committed to providing you with exceptional care and support throughout your dental journey. By addressing any potential issues with your wisdom teeth, we can help ensure a healthier and more comfortable smile for years to come. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to your third molars, don't hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!