Wisdom Teeth: Should They Be Removed?

While there are times when wisdom teeth grow in correctly and do not cause any oral health or cosmetic concerns, sometimes wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly. If wisdom teeth that grow in incorrectly begin to cause oral health concerns or have the potential to do so, they may need to be surgically removed.

When wisdom teeth should be removed

Many avoid the task of having their wisdom teeth out of fear of enduring the surgical procedure to remove them. However, there are times when wisdom teeth need to be removed. Below we will review a few scenarios in which it is likely wisdom teeth need to be surgically removed.

Teeth alignment issues

One of the most common reasons wisdom teeth need removal is that they are causing alignment issues with the other teeth. When wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly, they can place pressure upon other teeth, causing them all to shift — not just the ones closest to the wisdom teeth like you may assume. When this occurs, it can create the need for braces or cause misalignment of teeth that have already undergone a straightening procedure, which is know as orthodontic relapse.

Pain and swelling

It is normal for wisdom teeth coming through to cause some pain and perhaps even a little swelling of the gums. However, there are times when wisdom teeth can lead to a significant amount of pain and swelling, which lead to other, much larger oral health issues. In some instances when wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly, the pain and swelling may not go away without wisdom teeth extraction.  

Increased risk of cavities

Wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of cavities if they grow in incorrectly. When wisdom teeth come in, it can place pressure on other teeth and cause the gums to swell, which may make it harder to properly clean certain areas of the teeth.

Additionally, there may be an increased risk of developing an oral infection due to the gum swelling often caused by wisdom teeth coming through incorrectly, which is why it is important to have a dentist monitor and check the status of wisdom teeth.

Jaw complications

It is not uncommon for cysts to develop around new teeth, especially wisdom teeth. When cysts form, they can cause serious jaw complications if they are not properly dealt with in a timely manner. In some cases, untreated oral cysts can hollow out the jaw and damage nerves. In particular, wisdom teeth that come through improperly can cause an increased risk of the individual developing cysts that could lead to jaw complications.

The bottom line

By taking a dental X-ray of wisdom teeth, dentists can determine whether wisdom teeth are going to grow in incorrectly before any damage occurs. In order to ensure wisdom teeth do not cause any cosmetic or oral health concerns, talk to a dentist about the status of your wisdom teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.queensfamilydental.com or call Queens Family Dental at (718) 690-9597 for an appointment in our Astoria office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction.

Recent Posts

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Concerned about impacted wisdom teeth? Read on to learn more about this condition and how it is addressed. The third pair of molars at the rear of the mouth is known as the wisdom teeth. These teeth usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Impaction is when a wisdom tooth becomes trapped beneath your…

Wisdom Tooth Extractions: How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Need To Come Out?

Wondering if wisdom tooth extractions are in your near future? If you feel like your wisdom teeth are not growing in properly, then there is a good possibility that an experienced dentist will need to pull the tooth. Everyone is different, which means that some people have no problem at all when their wisdom teeth…

Dietary Restrictions After Dental Extractions

If you have a dental extraction at Queens Family Dental, it is important for you to realize that we perform this procedure on a regular basis. Since most people do not have room for a third set of molars, we perform an extraction on patients of various ages. They can come in sideways or impacted,…

Why It Is Important To Replace Missing Teeth

It is essential to replace missing teeth the moment they fall out. Failing to do so can lead to serious health issues. Teeth serve an important function: They help people break down foods, pronounce certain words and their roots keep your jawbone tissue healthy.When some of a person's teeth are missing, there are changes that…

Recent Posts

How Veneers Are Used In Cosmetic Dentsitry

How Veneers Are Used In Cosmetic Dentsitry

Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…

Cosmetic Dental Reasons To Get Dental Bonding

Cosmetic Dental Reasons To Get Dental Bonding

Getting dental bonding can be a good way to improve your smile. It can be hard to know the right time to get it, however. The right way to determine if you are a candidate for it is to have an appointment with your dentist. Keep reading to find out more about a few cosmetic…

We are not currently accepting Medicaid Patients. Thank you!