Am I a Candidate for a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure to remove the last set of molars. Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge and can cause issues that often always require their removal. These teeth are not necessary for survival or oral health, and most people are better off without them. This article talks about the signs that may indicate the need for extracting the wisdom teeth.
When wisdom teeth should be extracted
The following are indications that a patient may be a candidate for wisdom teeth extraction:
Pain
As wisdom teeth erupt, they can emerge crooked or incorrectly. Sometimes the jaw may not have enough space to contain the new molars, thus forcing other teeth out of alignment. This may cause tooth pain, jaw pain, headaches or discomfort when drinking or eating. Consider when the pain started and how frequent it is. If the pain is recurrent and intense and simple solutions seem ineffective, then it may be time to talk to the dentist about wisdom teeth removal.
Damage to existing teeth
When wisdom teeth do not erupt correctly, they can cause damage to other teeth and overcrowding if the mouth cannot accommodate all the teeth. Patients who had orthodontic treatment in their teenage years may be at risk of misalignment again due to improper wisdom teeth growth. Aside from that, misalignment caused by overcrowding cannot be corrected with braces. The recommended option is to remove the teeth before they affect the other teeth and jaw.
Wisdom teeth impaction
Tooth impaction means a tooth that erupts partially or fails to erupt. This condition is most common with wisdom teeth, in cases when the tooth does not emerge from the gum tissue and remains impacted beneath the gums. This can cause problems for a few reasons. Impacted teeth usually grow at an awkward angle, forming sideways against other teeth or develop into the jaw. This may result in pain, inflamed gum tissue or damages to the teeth.
Partially impacted teeth tend to trap food cavities and are vulnerable to cavities and bad breath. If a patient notices the symptoms or a dental X-ray reveals impacted teeth, then a wisdom tooth extraction is likely in order.
Infection and gum disease
Another sign that a tooth needs to be removed is if the gums and tissue surrounding the area become infected. Swelling and inflammation around the wisdom tooth area could mean a problem with the tooth. The dentist may need to check to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary. Gum disease around the wisdom teeth is also a red flag. If the wisdom tooth is the cause, removal may be the preferable option.
The bottom line
Wisdom teeth extraction is not a simple procedure, especially in the case of impaction, but it is sometimes necessary. Even if you are not experiencing pain, the dentist may recommend the procedure to prevent future dental issues or complications. Check on your candidacy for wisdom tooth extraction by booking an appointment with the dentist to undergo a dental evaluation.
Request an appointment here: https://advanceddentalofnewwindsor.com or call Advanced Dental at (845) 228-8048 for an appointment in our New Windsor office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary if the teeth are a potential oral health risk. In some cases, wisdom teeth can increase the risk of an oral infection if they do not emerge fully through the gums. They can also damage other teeth and are more susceptible to dental decay since they are located the…
There are currently two schools of thought regarding wisdom tooth extraction. Some dentists believe an impacted wisdom tooth should be removed even if it is asymptomatic to prevent future problems. Others believe that the risks of surgery to the patient are not worth it as long as the tooth is not causing any discernible issues.However,…
Has your dentist suggested you have a wisdom tooth extraction? Here is information regarding this common dental procedure.According to Mayo Clinic, your wisdom teeth, also referred to as your third molars, are your last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in your mouth. This process usually happens between the ages of 17 and 25.Although some people…
Wisdom teeth extractions have become an ordinary procedure that is completed every day. However, for someone that need their teeth extracted, understanding the basics and what to expect is normal and common.We will give a brief overview of how getting the wisdom teeth extracted, works. We will also explain the timeline of having things completed…