Why Do Wisdom Teeth Sometimes Need To Be Extracted?
Depending upon individual circumstances, including whether oral health issues are starting to develop, your periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ may recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted. Doing this won’t impact the health of your jaw or teeth, except in a positive way. Modern humans don’t need wisdom teeth, and have a sufficient number of molars to take care of chewing without them. Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, but if you do, then you probably want to know some of the possible reasons why.
Impaction and Insufficient Space
One of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction is impaction. This is a bad situation that can happen when there’s not enough space for the wisdom teeth in the mouth. It’s not uncommon, either. Impacted wisdom teeth may remain trapped under the gums or only partially break through, leading to discomfort, swelling and a higher risk of infection.
Pain and Discomfort
Even when wisdom teeth do emerge, they can cause pain and pressure in the jaw. This discomfort may extend to the surrounding teeth and even lead to headaches or ear pain. Extraction can relieve this pressure and prevent further complications.
Increased Risk of Infection and Decay
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum infections. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are especially prone to infection, as food and bacteria can become trapped under the gum tissue.
Crowding and Misalignment
When wisdom teeth push against existing teeth, they can cause shifting and misalignment. This is a concern for individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment, as wisdom teeth may undo years of alignment correction. In some cases, it may be recommended to remove wisdom teeth before they cause crowding.
Cyst Formation and Other Complications
In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts, fluid-filled sacs that form around the tooth. These cysts can damage the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth. If left untreated, they may require more complex surgical procedures to remove.
Removing wisdom teeth can prevent pain, infections and damage to surrounding teeth. To learn more about the need for tooth extractions in Scottsdale, AZ, contact us today.