Are Your Wisdom Teeth a Friend or a Foe?

Despite their name, impacted wisdom teeth in 76210 do not make people wiser. It can be quite painful when these late-stage molars sprout from the gums and squeeze your existing teeth. Worse, wisdom teeth have been linked to issues such as jaw misalignment, sinus problems, long-term cavity damage, and cysts. 

Even so, some people are fortunate enough to avoid the common wisdom teeth symptoms and pains. The question for these fortunate people is whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is worthwhile. Is it necessary to extract all wisdom teeth just because oral surgery has become more common?

Wisdom Teeth Removal 

When Wisdom Teeth Can Be a Problem

Wisdom teeth, in most cases, must be extracted due to their impact on the rest of the teeth. This happens because they often don’t have space to grow. However, because they must erupt, they can grow from any angle in the jaw, including horizontally. 

Other issues associated with wisdom teeth development include:

- When teeth erupt completely, they develop at an angle, causing crowding and damage to previously healthy neighboring teeth. 

- Staying concealed beneath the gum line, eventually becoming stuck or impacted within the jaw, resulting in infection or abscess, affecting the roots of neighboring teeth, and eroding bone support.

- It partially emerges from the gums, but it's difficult to detect and clean, making it a breeding ground for germs that cause gum disease and infection.

To avoid future damage, some dentists advocate wisdom teeth extraction even if they haven't fully emerged. Some dentists even urge extraction at a young age, before the teeth and bones have fully developed. Younger patients recover faster, and there are fewer risks of impacted wisdom tooth growth and infections. 

When Is It Necessary to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

When wisdom teeth erupt, many patients experience pain and may require extraction as soon as possible. It isn't, however, the only sign that a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. Other complications include recurrent infections in the soft tissue behind the final teeth, cysts, tumors, damage to neighboring teeth, dental decay, and gum disease. 

The extraction of wisdom teeth entails the removal of the impacted teeth, as well as the repair of any adjacent damaged teeth. Based on the shape of your mouth and the condition of your other teeth, as well as an x-ray to check their position and development, your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal. 

The Top Five Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Pain and Sensitivity

Many people are unaware that their wisdom teeth are impacted until they begin to experience discomfort. But, like any other dental issue, it starts tiny and almost unnoticeable. Any toothache, discomfort, or mild throbbing sensations should not be ignored.

Gums That Are Swollen and Inflamed 

Oral health isn't just about teeth; gums are also important, and impacted wisdom teeth can harm them. Wisdom teeth that emerge at an angle or horizontally from the other teeth can swell the gums and make cleaning difficult.

These reddish patches along the gum line are usually sensitive to the touch, making brushing and flossing difficult, leading to cavities and tooth decay.

Damage to Nearby Teeth

The emergence of an extra set of molars may cause them to move because your permanent teeth are already in place. This causes pain, bite problems, and crowding, making brushing and flossing difficult, and eventually leading to cavities or tooth decay. 

If you put off treatment for too long, you may need additional treatments to correct the neighboring teeth.

Damage to the Jaw

The first symptom is stiffness or discomfort, followed by damage to the jawbones, which impairs the mouth's function and mobility. Wisdom teeth, like other teeth, emerge from the jaws and through the gums, though this isn't always the case, especially when space around the other teeth is limited.

When wisdom teeth become impacted in the jaw, other teeth shift, and the jawline shifts as well. This may make it difficult to open your mouth, causing discomfort. Cysts can form along newly erupted molars, hollowing out the jaw bones and damaging the nerves nearby, healthy teeth if left untreated. 

Sinus Problems

The mouth and nose are inextricably linked, but did you know that impacted wisdom teeth can affect the sinuses? Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended when the growth of these molars causes sinus discomfort, pressure, or congestion. Because oral health is intertwined with overall health, any symptom or disease should be treated as soon as possible.

Where Can I Get My Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extracted in 76210? 

Texas Oral Surgery Group is your complete source for restoring your smile. You can rely on reliable medical information, personalized guidance, and compassionate treatments. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have completed extensive training, so you can relax knowing you're in capable hands. 

Our office provides a full range of oral surgery services, from wisdom tooth removal to dental implants and more. Contact us to know more about our services.