Wisdom teeth remain something of a mystery because human beings seem to have little use for the late-emerging third molars. Scholars make the case that early humans needed these rugged back teeth to chew raw vegetables, roots, and other tough food resources. Modern-day people have little use for these teeth that break through the rear gums when people reach the ages of 17-25 years old.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to cause pain and disruption. That’s why Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery uses the latest technological advancements to evaluate problematic wisdom teeth and help our valued community members make informed decisions about extractions. These are common reasons why everyday people consider undergoing oral surgery to have them removed.
When Should You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
It’s essential to understand that wisdom teeth do not necessarily need to create excruciating pain before considering removal. In many cases, these molars even fail to emerge through your gum line.
There are several common reasons wisdom teeth become impacted in the jaw. This can happen because of a person having a small mouth, or teeth growing at an incorrect angle. What happens next is that these teeth push on other ones and distort your otherwise healthy bite and smile. Because these teeth are more likely to create problems than provide benefits, many oral surgeons define reasons to keep them.
- Wisdom Teeth Appear Healthy
- They Reached Full Growth Through the Gum Line
- Wisdom Teeth Appear Properly Positioned
- They Do Not Obstruct Daily Hygiene Regimens
It may seem almost counterintuitive that a naturally occurring process should be considered a nuisance and potential health risk if untreated. But by understanding the wide-reaching negative impacts of wisdom teeth, it becomes abundantly clear they require careful monitoring and possible removal.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Many people only consider getting a thorough dental examination after experiencing symptoms associated with a wisdom tooth condition. These rank among the more common reasons for concern.
- Swollen or Tender Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Difficult to Open Your Mouth
- Unexplained Jaw Pain
- Stiffness or Swelling
- Bad Breath After Brushing
These and other telltale signs usually manifest when wisdom teeth are progressing through the jaw and gum line. In many cases, the trajectory may be off-kilter, or the mouth does not have the room to accommodate the molars. Wisdom teeth that fail to rise and sit dormant under existing ones can prove equally problematic. If you or a loved one is between 17-25 years old, these are reasons to schedule a dentist office visit.
- Irritation: These molars can cause aches and pains throughout the jaw and mouth. Because they crowd other teeth or push from underneath, the discomfort can manifest in a variety of locations. It’s critical to have an X-ray of your mouth during these formative years.
- Trouble Eating: Wisdom teeth may not cause ongoing pain and discomfort. But when people bite down on food or chew, that pressure can trigger the underlying issue.
- Cysts Form: When fluid fills a sac beside a tooth, this condition is generally called a cyst. Wisdom teeth issues can result in cyst formations. If they go untreated, it may turn into a tumor that requires surgery, tooth removal, bone grafting, and dental implants. Early detection remains the best medicine for avoiding otherwise unnecessary procedures.
- Sinus Conditions: When upper molars grow incorrectly, they can put pressure on the jaw and sinuses. Although not ranked among the more common adverse reactions, the pain, headaches, and congestion can be debilitating.
If you or a family member experiences these or other telltale signs of a wisdom tooth problem, a prompt evaluation and consultation will help people make informed health decisions. The extraction procedure takes about an hour, although severely impacted teeth can require several hours to remove. Wisdom teeth extractions remain an out-patient procedure, and patients typically have a friend or family member drive them home afterward.
Contact a Leading Oral Surgeon in Brevard County
At Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery, we focus on proactive and preventative dental measures to ensure our valued community members enjoy their beautiful smiles. If you or a loved one experience wisdom tooth symptoms listed above or are between 17-25 years old, contact our Melbourne or Rockledge office and schedule a consultation today.
