The Facts About Wisdom Teeth: Do You Really Need to Get Them Removed?
If you have not yet had your wisdom teeth removed and if they have not caused you trouble, you might wonder: should your wisdom teeth be removed? Not necessarily. Continue reading to learn about the situations in which it might make sense for you to have them extracted and situations in which you can leave them alone. If you have questions or want to make an appointment with a dentist, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.
Most Wisdom Teeth Do Cause Issues
The first thing to know is that nine out of ten times, wisdom teeth do cause some level of issue for people. The most common issue is impaction, which means that the tooth was not able to properly come out of the gum as a full tooth. When that occurs, it can be extremely painful, and it can throw off the alignment of your smile.
This can be especially problematic when a patient has invested in Invisalign or another orthodontic solution to keep their teeth as straight as possible. No one wants to invest money only to have the alignment turn out worse than before the investment.
Less Common Wisdom Tooth Issues
While impaction is by far the most common issue, it is not the only issue. Another issue is that because wisdom teeth are often harder to brush, they can be more susceptible to developing cavities. Second, the teeth can have a negative impact on your gums, jaw, and sinuses. Some people grow cysts around their new teeth, which, in the long term, can lead to nerve damage.
Should Your Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Once you read the list of ways in which wisdom teeth can cause issues, you might wonder: shouldn’t I just have them removed? That depends on many factors. Your dentist can provide a thorough dental exam and cleaning, during which they can determine if there are any issues. We can also use x-rays to see how the wisdom teeth are impacting your smile.
Do Not Be Afraid of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Whether you get to live your entire life with your wisdom teeth or you need to have them surgically removed, you should know that it will be okay. Wisdom teeth extraction can sound scary, but the truth is that in most cases, it can be done in a few hours and requires only over-the-counter pain medications to control the pain.
If you have questions about your wisdom teeth, we recommend you talk to your dentist. If you do not yet have a dentist, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to let us help you.
