Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you have been told that you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be confused as to why, and you may even be a bit frightened. There are many factors that influence if and when an individual should have their wisdom teeth removed. Continue reading for more information about wisdom tooth removal so that you can better understand your recommended treatment.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are the third molars in the mouth. They are the last teeth to form and emerge in the mouth, usually anywhere from age 17 to age 21. Their arrival in these years is what earned them their name; during this period of an individual’s life, they have gained enough life experience to have some “wisdom”.

Due to the placement of the wisdom teeth, is not uncommon for the wisdom teeth to have trouble erupting or not be able to properly erupt at all. In fact, a large majority of the individuals who have their wisdom teeth removed do so because they are at risk for developing infection, or because the teeth have the potential to collide into one another and cause an impaction. In the case of impaction, it is very possible for the teeth in the mouth to shift, causing crookedness and crowding. Because of this, orthodontists will usually recommend that their patients have their wisdom teeth removed to assure that any orthodontic treatment done will not be in vain.

Is Removal Right For You?

If you have been recommended to have your wisdom teeth removed, odds are that the teeth are impacted, and will soon cause issues with pressure, pain, and shifting of the teeth in the mouth. If you are not feeling pressure or pain, you may be wondering why you have been recommended for extraction. The decision to extract is often a proactive movement designed both to avoid damage to the other teeth, and to avoid the patient eventually being in pain as well. Your dentist, upon taking a look at your dental x-rays, and made an educated prediction about the future movement of your teeth, has decided that removing your wisdom teeth will be the best decision in the long-term.

Good Timing

The extraction of the wisdom teeth is best done anywhere from ages 16 to 21, as this is the stage in which the teeth are not yet fully developed and have softer roots. It is also highly  recommended to have the extractions done at this time because the younger the individual is, the sooner they will bounce back from the surgery and heal. This is not to say that extractions can not be done later in life; in fact, many people wait until after they are 21 to have their wisdom teeth removed.

With the information you learned here, you will hopefully have a better understanding as to why you have been recommended for wisdom tooth extraction, and how you can benefit from it. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Willow Glen Dental Specialists (WGDS) today.