Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth can negatively impact your oral health and cause overcrowding in your smile. While these teeth were once crucial to human ancestors for chewing tough and coarse foods, they have largely become unnecessary as diets and jaw sizes have evolved over time. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth often create more problems than benefits, especially when they don’t have enough space to grow properly. Brookwood Dental Center will explore the importance of wisdom teeth removal, the common issues associated with these molars, and what to expect from the removal process.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do We Have Them?

Wisdom teeth emerge at the back of your mouth typically between the ages of 17 and 25 after the rest of the permanent teeth have settled into place. Anthropologists believe they served a functional purpose for early humans who relied on raw meats, roots, and leaves in their diet. Over centuries of evolution, human jaws have become smaller, leaving insufficient room for these late-arriving molars. Now, they often come with complications rather than aiding oral health.

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Due to the lack of space in modern human jaws, wisdom teeth are prone to several problems. Some of the most common wisdom teeth problems include:

• Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth never fully emerge from the gums. They can grow at odd angles, crowd adjacent teeth, or become trapped beneath the gumline, causing pain, swelling and misalignment.
• Overcrowding: Even when wisdom teeth partially erupt, they often push against surrounding teeth, causing misalignment and crowding that may disrupt previous orthodontic work.
• Cavities and Infection: Wisdom teeth are located in hard-to-reach areas, making them difficult to clean properly. Improper cleaning provides a higher risk of cavities, gum infections, and bacterial buildup.
• Cyst Formation: Sometimes, a cyst or fluid-filled sac can form around unerupted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging nearby bone and teeth.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

We often recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent the complications above, especially if the teeth are impacted, partially erupted, or causing pain. It’s vital to visit us regularly for checkups, cleanings, and X-rays that can help identify issues early. Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps avoid severe dental issues and maintain positive oral health. Our dental team will inspect your X-rays and mouth to determine if wisdom tooth removal is the best path for your smile.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s important to know when it’s time to reach out to us about removing your wisdom teeth. We can often determine from X-rays if your wisdom teeth will be a problem. Some clear signs you may need wisdom teeth removal include:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
• Swelling, redness, or bleeding in the gums around the wisdom teeth
• Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing due to jaw stiffness
• Recurring bad breath or an unpleasant taste caused by trapped food and bacteria
• Signs of infection, such as fever or swelling in the face

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common outpatient procedure typically performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your case. Here’s a step-by-step overview of a wisdom teeth removal procedure:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, your oral surgeon will discuss anesthesia options and explain the process. You may be advised to fast for a few hours prior to surgery.
• The Surgery: Using specialized tools, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth. If necessary, the teeth may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
• Post-Surgery Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll need a few days to recover. Common symptoms include swelling, mild discomfort, and minor bleeding. Your oral surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including dietary recommendations and tips to minimize pain and swelling.

Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth

The risk of ignoring problematic wisdom teeth can be significant, leading to more severe issues in the future. Failing to remove problematic wisdom teeth can lead to several complications, including:

• Overcrowding: Lack of space in the jaw may cause wisdom teeth to crowd other teeth, leading to misalignment.
• Tooth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are challenging to clean, leaving them susceptible to cavities.
• Gum Disease: Bacteria and food particles easily get trapped around the teeth, increasing the risk of infection and gum inflammation.
• Cysts and Tumors: Untreated wisdom teeth may develop cysts, which can damage surrounding teeth and bone.
• Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort in the jaw, ear, or other areas of the face may occur.

Contact Brookwood Dental Center

Brookwood Dental Center helps boost your oral health with wisdom tooth removal. We’re here to help you through the wisdom tooth removal process. If you’re having problems with your wisdom teeth, let our experienced dental team help you. Schedule a dental appointment with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does wisdom teeth removal take? Wisdom tooth removal surgery typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the number and complexity of the teeth being removed.
• Is wisdom teeth removal a surgery? Yes, wisdom teeth removal is considered a minor surgical procedure and is often performed by an oral surgeon.
• Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed? Removal is necessary when wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, overcrowding, or other oral health issues.
• What are the signs you need wisdom teeth removed? Symptoms include pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, frequent infections, and gum complications.