Wisdom Teeth Removal – 4 Reasons to Get It Over With

It’s something we all dread and put off as long as possible: Getting your wisdom teeth extracted. Without proper attention, however, it could lead to long term, damaging effects. We always advocate for early evaluation and treatment, meaning we like to see patient’s in their early teenage years come in to get x-rays done to see where their wisdom teeth are currently in position. As an adult, wisdom teeth can cause more problems and lend themselves to a longer recovery. Today, we want to talk about the 4 reasons you should have your wisdom teeth removed.

wisdom-tooth-infection1. Infection: The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

 

 

 

wisdom-tooth-cyst-formation2. Cyst Formation: Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

 

 

wisdom-tooth-crowding-teeth3. Possible Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

 

 

wisdom-tooth-damaging-other-tooth4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth: If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

 

 

 

Surgery isn’t at the top of everyone’s “to-do list”, but wisdom teeth extraction shouldn’t be put off. It’s a common oral surgery that hundreds of people go through on a daily basis to prevent problems that arise that could become worse than the extraction surgery itself. With the proper pre and post-operation care and a comfortable experience here at Chapin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you’ll look back and be happy with the care you received. For more information on wisdom teeth removal, visit our website: https://www.chapinoralsurgery.com/procedures/wisdom-teeth/wisdom-teeth-removal/.