There comes a point in most people’s lives when they will be faced with the challenge of removing their wisdom teeth. Not everyone needs to go through this procedure, so how to know when to remove wisdom teeth? Here’s a short guide that will help you understand whether and why you need this dental procedure, or if you’re one of the lucky ones who were done with teeth removals once their last baby tooth came out.
Why Is It So Important to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures performed – around 5 million people in the US have it done every year. You might not even be experiencing any discomfort, and your dentist will tell you it needs to be done when you go in for routine teeth cleaning. But why? Why is it so important to remove them even if they’re not causing any obvious trouble or discomfort?
Let’s start by explaining what wisdom teeth even are. They are also known as third molars, and they are the very last teeth you get as a right of passage into adulthood. They usually erupt – show up at ages 17 to 25, and some people experience no issues with them – they act and appear just as all other teeth, and in those cases, there is no need to take them out. However, the situations where wisdom teeth don’t erupt as they should are becoming more and more common.
These are known as impacted wisdom teeth – they don’t have enough room in the mouth to develop properly, so they either stay in the jawbone underneath the gum tissue and not erupt at all, or they erupt partially and create issues for all remaining teeth and your overall oral health. Here are all the problems impacted wisdom teeth can cause:
- They can grow at a bad angle and disrupt the position of other teeth by pushing them to the side,
- They can be very painful as they slowly erupt,
- Gum disease and infections,
- They can trap food behind them,
- Cavities,
- Sinus issues,
- Cysts around the gum tissue,
- Tooth decay.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Now that you know why removing impacted wisdom teeth is so important, let’s take a look at how the procedure of taking them out works. It’s an outpatient dental procedure, meaning you will be able to go home right after it’s done, which usually lasts around half an hour to an hour per wisdom tooth.
You will be placed under local anesthesia, after which the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue, take out the tooth, and clean and stitch up the wound. A very common question is – are wisdom teeth easier to remove when they are out? And the answer is yes, wisdom teeth are much easier to take out if they have partially or fully erupted.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth? How Do You Know It’s the Right Time?
If you’re wondering when is it time to remove wisdom teeth, there are some indications that can help. For starters, if you’re already experiencing any pain, discomfort, or any other issues, it’s definitely time to remove them. If you’re not experiencing any obvious symptoms, a simple X-ray can determine if your wisdom teeth could cause problems down the line and whether they need to be removed. So, make sure you consult with your dentist in Charlotte, NC, before making any decisions.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Out Your Wisdom Teeth in Time?
We’re aware of the fact that most people try to prolong their visit to the dentist as much as possible, but there are quite a few reasons why you shouldn’t do that when it comes to wisdom teeth. If your dentist advises you that it may be the time to get your wisdom teeth out, and you don’t listen, it could lead to some serious complications.
Besides the infections, cysts, cavities, and constant pain, the most long-term consequence is the effect the impacted wisdom teeth have on your teeth alignment. You may think that you have a perfect smile and that a simple wisdom tooth can’t ruin that, but you could not be more wrong.
If you don’t remove the wisdom tooth that needs to come out to the surface in time, it will push all your other teeth and completely ruin your alignment. Just think about cramping one extra tooth in your mouth – it has to move all the others. Then, you would need to wear braces for years or struggle with other teeth alignment approaches.
Whether You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Out or Not – It’s Always a Good Time to Schedule a Visit to Aspire Dental Wellness
Getting a professional opinion on whether or not you need wisdom teeth removal surgery is extremely important. You need to find a Charlotte, NC, dentist you can trust will give you an honest and objective opinion. So, contact us and schedule an appointment with Aspire Dental Wellness Clinic.
Our team will make sure to carefully explain the reasons behind why it may or may not be the right time to get your wisdom teeth taken out. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have. If it is the right time, our Charlotte dentist in SouthPark will provide you with the best possible dental care while making sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Our goal is not only to give you the most beautiful, healthy smile but also to take care of your overall well-being.
