Do Your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal If They’re Not Impacted?

It’s a common practice for dentists in Scottsdale, AZ, to remove wisdom teeth from their patients, though it’s important for everyone to know the reasons behind the removal. If the wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they have not fully emerged from the gum line), this can not only be painful for the patient, but it can also push on the other teeth, causing them to crowd together.

In the case of extreme pain or imminent danger, the path forward is pretty clear to both the patient and the dentist. Of course, this is not the whole story, as wisdom teeth can still be removed even if they’re not impacted. If you’re wondering why else a dentist will recommend the procedure, we’ll look at how a dentist typically evaluates the patient.

Key Indicators

The dentist typically looks at your mouth and considers the following indicators:

• Spacing: Your wisdom teeth may come in at the wrong angle, which will cause anything from overcrowding to bite issues. It can even lead to pain if the wisdom teeth are bearing down on the adjacent teeth.
• Cleaning: Cleaning your wisdom teeth is difficult, even if they come in perfectly. If it’s difficult to keep up with the regime, then a dentist may remove them to reduce the odds of decay and gum disease.
• Jaw: Some people’s jaws are large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, but others will have smaller jaws that simply don’t have the space. In addition, there are wisdom teeth that can impact the health of your jaw. While rare, the dentist may recommend removal if there are any bone or nerve issues.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Scottsdale

If you’re interested in wisdom teeth removal in Scottsdale, AZ, the dentist will want to look at your general oral health before evaluating the next steps. If you’re older, it’s worth noting that complications are more likely. If you’re more at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, removal may be your best option. At Dr. Pete N. Mellas, DMD, you’ll work with a staff that can answer your questions so you can feel comfortable about whatever decision you make.