September 6, 2024
Most of us get our wisdom teeth when we are teenagers or young adults. For most patients, wisdom teeth cause long-term oral health risks, making it prudent to have them removed proactively. In fact, there are several reasons why wisdom teeth removal is a good investment in the long-term integrity of your smile.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth are the final ones to emerge in your mouth. Typically, they enter a smile that is already crowded, with insufficient space for the wisdom teeth to erupt.
Because there is not enough room for your wisdom teeth to enter the smile in a healthy, normal way, they may push your healthy teeth out of alignment. Not only can this compromise the aesthetics of your smile, but it can also increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Moreover, wisdom teeth are at high risk for a condition known as impaction. When the wisdom teeth become impacted, they remain partially or entirely submerged under the gum tissue or behind the bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to the formation of painful cysts, increase your risk of oral cancer, and lead to a more pronounced chance of infection.
To avoid all these potential concerns, wisdom teeth removal is highly recommended. Removing your wisdom teeth early can eliminate these risks and save you from significant discomfort or more extensive oral health needs later in life.
When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended?
For the vast majority of patients, wisdom teeth removal is the recommended treatment. This procedure can become more complex later in life as your wisdom teeth develop deeper roots. As such, we recommend having the wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible, ideally in your teens or early twenties.
Does Everyone Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In rare circumstances, a smile may have enough room to allow wisdom teeth to enter without causing the rest of the teeth to shift out of alignment. However, this situation is rare, so the likely recommendation is to remove your wisdom teeth. Your doctor will let you know if wisdom teeth removal is right for you based on a careful inspection of your teeth and jaw.
Find Out More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is recommended for almost all individuals to avoid potential oral health issues such as misalignment, impaction, gum disease, tooth decay, or even tooth loss. If you’re wondering whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you, consult with a doctor for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice. Find out more about this procedure by visiting our wisdom teeth removal page.
