Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars in your mouth, and despite their name, keeping them won’t make you any smarter! That said, it’s usually a wise move to have them removed; these teeth can often cause oral health problems when they finally make their appearance. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about why wisdom tooth extraction is necessary along with a little insight into the overall process.
Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
It’s important to note that wisdom tooth extraction isn’t always necessary—some lucky patients have wisdom teeth that grow in without any complications! But unfortunately, this isn’t the norm. Research shows that roughly 90% of Americans end up with at least one impacted wisdom tooth, meaning that having them all removed is usually a good idea. This can ultimately prevent many oral health issues including:
- Damage to your other teeth due to overcrowding.
- Jawbone damage, including cysts that can forma round the new teeth.
- Sinus issues including pain, pressure, and congestion.
- Gum inflammation and infection.
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Bite misalignment.
Simply put, wisdom teeth often do not have room to grow properly, meaning that removing them is usually the best and healthiest option for most patients.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Fortunately, you don’t need your wisdom teeth in order to keep your smile happy and healthy! Depending on your individual circumstances, there are a few different approaches that your dentist can take. Your dentist can take X-rays and examine your mouth to determine the status of your wisdom teeth. If they are still underneath the gumline and haven’t erupted, a small incision will have to be made to access the teeth and remove them entirely. If your teeth have already erupted, they might be able to be dislodged and extracted without a surgical procedure. No matter which approach is used, your mouth will be comfortably numbed for the entirety of the procedure, and you won’t feel any pain, though you might experience some soreness afterwards.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth causing oral health issues, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist and inquire about having them removed; it won’t affect the integrity of your smile, and it’s certain to keep other potential oral issues at bay.
About the Practice
The team at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery is honored to serve the needs of patients and families in the Alexandria, Reston, and Burke areas. The practice is fortunate to house a team of five skilled specialists: Dr. Amir Naimi, Dr. Pedram Yaghmai, Dr. Amro Shihabi, Dr. Nawaf Aslam Pervez, and Dr. Hadi Ansari. Together they combine several decades of experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online to find a location near you.