Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in the human mouth. However, their function is vestigial in nature, meaning humans no longer need them to chew properly or for speech. It’s because of this reason that wisdom teeth can be safely removed without posing any risks to mouth function. When wisdom teeth begin to develop, sometimes they shift in position and impact the alignment of other teeth and the jaw. This can cause immediate problems and problems in the future. In this blog post we discuss several signs that may indicate you need your wisdom teeth removed.
Signs You Do Not Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
In most cases, wisdom teeth will grow healthily and not impact the proper development of the other teeth within the mouth. If wisdom teeth are in the right position and do not impact your bite, their composition is healthy, they are fully erupted (have grown to a full size correctly) and can be cleaned thoroughly during a daily oral health routine then they can be safely left in place. There are no benefits to removing healthy wisdom teeth.
Signs You Do Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
In cases where wisdom teeth require removal, they often grow at different angles or do not fit properly in the mouth. You dentist may recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed immediately if they only emerge partially from the gums, they remain completely hidden beneath the gums or if they will crowd adjacent teeth; causing them to become crooked or misaligned. Most people get their wisdom teeth removed at an early age to ensure the recovery process is quick and effective.
Symptoms Requiring a Consultation About Wisdom Teeth
In addition to the reasons listed above, there are a range of other symptoms which indicate you may need to consult your local dentist about getting your wisdom teeth removed. These include:
- Pain in the back of the mouth,
- Inflamed gums,
- Bleeding gums,
- Oral cysts,
- Earaches or headaches,
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw,
- Sinus issues,
- Crooked or overcrowded teeth.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal treatment begins with an application of anaesthesia to numb the gum surrounding the site where the tooth will be extracted from. If the tooth hasn’t come through the gum, a small incision will be made in the gum to access it. A small piece of the bone covering the tooth may also need to be removed. The tooth may be cut into smaller parts to make it easier to remove through the opening. In other cases, the dentist will widen the tooth socket by gripping the tooth with forceps and gently rocking it back and forth to loosen it. When the tooth is removed, you won’t feel anything due to the anaesthesia.
Book an Appointment at Big Smiles Dental Today
Treating issues related to wisdom teeth is absolutely essential for oral health. If you have any questions about the health of your wisdom teeth, or if you are due for a check-up, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Big Smiles Dental today.