Is wisdom tooth extraction something you should consider?
Wisdom teeth extraction is necessary in many cases, and dentists often recommend it. The following are questions patients frequently ask us about wisdom teeth.
What exactly are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through a person’s gums. They are in the back of other molars on the top and lower jaws. However, they aren’t necessary for chewing food, and about a third of the people in the world never not get wisdom teeth. In addition, sometimes people will not get all four wisdom teeth, but will have only one, two or three come in. Around the ages of 18 or 19, wisdom teeth generally erupt into a person’s mouth.
Why is it a good idea to remove wisdom teeth?
Low grade infection can occur around the teeth when they break through or partially break through the gum. The name of this infection around the crown of the tooth is pericoronitis. Dentists can treat it with antibiotics.
Some people keep their wisdom teeth rather than having them extracted. However, as years go by, they usually need a dentist to extract them. This is because they’re so far back in the mouth that they are difficult to keep clean. Lack of proper cleaning can result in cavities or gum infections. An infection usually doesn’t just stay in the wisdom tooth. It can become a source of infection for the tooth beside it. In fact, someone with a cavity in a wisdom tooth is four times more likely to have a cavity in other teeth. In addition, someone with a gum infection around a wisdom tooth is much more likely to have an infection around the tooth next to it.
At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, we recommend extracting wisdom teeth before they cause that kind of problem.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
Unless there is room in the mouth for the tooth to break through the gum, it might become trapped or impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can result a lot of pain.
What other problems can occur with wisdom teeth?
They can break through the gum at a bad angle, pressing against the teeth beside them. This can damage other teeth and may result in losing the other tooth as well.
(Reference: University General Dentists)
Do you have concerns about wisdom teeth extraction?
Our friendly staff is glad to advise and answer your questions. We can help you have healthy teeth and gums through safe and proven methods.
Give us a call to make an appointment. Our number is (512) 806-7740.
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