It’s time to sink your teeth into some dental knowledge, particularly about those problem-prone molars at the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth, the last set of molars to develop in humans, are a hot topic among oral health professionals. But what’s the fuss all about?
Well, let’s start with the basics. When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they can wreak havoc on our alignment of teeth and jaw. Hence, extracting them becomes a necessity.
But when exactly do we need to remove them? Generally, dental professionals only suggest wisdom teeth extraction if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future.
Scientifically speaking, there are no proven benefits of removing these molars if they don’t cause any issues. Additionally, wisdom tooth removal can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Signs that you need to remove your Wisdom Teeth
On the other hand, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly with opposite teeth, and easy to clean, you may keep them. But if they grow at various angles or don’t have enough room to come in fully, your Canberra dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
So, what are the signs that you need to remove your wisdom teeth? The most common issues with these molars arise when a person is between 15 and 25 years old, but people of any age may need wisdom tooth removal.
Infected wisdom tooth symptoms:
- Sensitivity and pain in the back of your mouth
- Inflammation around the gums
- Cysts developing in your mouth
- Stiffness and pain in the jaw
- Sinus problems
- Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Teeth are not straight
What are the potential hazards of retaining your wisdom teeth?
- If you opt not to extract your wisdom teeth, you may encounter various symptoms associated with them, such as: Impaction and entrapment of the tooth under the gums due to insufficient space in your mouth for its growth.
- Partial eruption of the tooth, causing the growth of a gum tissue flap over it that can trap food debris and result in painful, inflamed, and reddened gums – which are the first signs of an infection.
- Increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases and cavities in the rear of your mouth.
You can mitigate these problems by receiving biannual dental examinations at Molonglo Dental Surgery and receiving early treatment.
Infection around impacted wisdom teeth may harm surrounding bones and teeth. The impacted tooth may develop a fluid-filled sac that may evolve into a cyst over time. This can cause severe damage to the jaw, bones, and adjacent teeth. Retaining your wisdom teeth may complicate future orthodontic treatment.
But what are the risks associated with wisdom teeth extraction? The decision to remove wisdom teeth that aren’t causing any issues should be weighed against the potential risks and benefits of having them removed.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth may have been a necessity in the past, but now, they can cause problems. Hence, it’s essential to keep an eye out for the signs mentioned above and maintain regular checkups with your dentist to ensure good oral health.
It is crucial to maintain regular checkups with your Canberra dentist at Molonglo Dental Surgery, who can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth.
To book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley, Canberra. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
