Wisdom teeth can become a significant issue for your oral health if not addressed early. Left untreated, they can cause considerable pain and damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. While not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, many cases benefit from extraction to prevent future complications and ensure proper oral hygiene and overall dental health.
Many people are unaware of the problems wisdom teeth can cause and the advantages of removing them. Read on to learn more about wisdom teeth and how extraction can improve your oral health!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17-25. They are located at the back of the mouth, and for most people, there isn’t enough space for them to come through properly.
While some people have all four wisdom teeth, others may have fewer, or none at all, due to genetics. When wisdom teeth grow in alignment with the other teeth and there’s enough space for them to erupt fully, they usually don’t cause issues. However, for most, these teeth become impacted or difficult to clean, leading to decay and gum disease. In such cases, removal is often recommended.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Here are the most common reasons why wisdom teeth are removed:
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Discomfort: Emerging wisdom teeth can cause significant pain. Poorly positioned teeth are prone to infection, which can lead to swelling and discomfort, requiring immediate extraction for relief.
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Decay: Because they are so far back in the mouth, wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean properly, making them more likely to develop cavities.
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Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth can damage surrounding teeth and bone, leading to infections or gum disease.
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Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are prone to gum inflammation and bone loss due to difficulty cleaning, which can also affect nearby teeth.
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Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause misalignment or crowding of other teeth, particularly after orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign.
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Infection: When wisdom teeth only partially erupt, they can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to painful infections that may spread if left untreated.
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Cyst Formation: Wisdom teeth may form a cyst in the jawbone, which can harm teeth, bones, and nerves. While most cysts are benign, some can become more serious if not addressed.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Removing wisdom teeth can bring several benefits, including:
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Pain Relief: Wisdom teeth are often removed when they cause pain and swelling. Removing them early prevents the need for emergency treatment later.
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Prevention of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: Extracting wisdom teeth reduces the risk of decay and gum disease, helping to protect the surrounding teeth and prolonging their health.
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Improved Oral Hygiene: Without hard-to-reach wisdom teeth, maintaining oral hygiene becomes easier, leading to healthier gums and teeth.
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Avoiding Tooth Movement: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, especially after orthodontic work. Removing them early can prevent this unwanted movement.
Consequences of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth
If problematic wisdom teeth are left untreated, it can lead to:
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Extensive Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe damage, including decay or resorption, to adjacent teeth, which may result in the loss of otherwise healthy teeth.
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Recurrent Infection: Infections caused by impacted wisdom teeth can worsen or reoccur, disrupting daily life. If untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of the face or neck, potentially becoming life-threatening.
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More Difficult Extraction in Older Age: Wisdom teeth become more difficult to remove with age, as bones harden and roots grow longer, sometimes near vital structures like nerves. Delaying removal increases risks and prolongs recovery time.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
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Early Age (18-25): The ideal time to remove wisdom teeth is before the roots fully develop. This reduces the risk of complications and leads to faster recovery.
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Before Orthodontic Treatment: Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before starting braces or Invisalign, as they can interfere with tooth alignment.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Don’t be alarmed by the term "surgery"—wisdom teeth extraction is a routine procedure. At Innova Dental, we ensure you're comfortable, relaxed, and largely pain-free throughout. We offer local anaesthetic, oral sedation, and general anaesthesia to suit your needs.
Our team uses advanced technology to ensure a safe and smooth extraction process. You’ll even have access to Netflix on the ceiling to help you stay calm and distracted during the procedure!
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients experience mild discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and proper aftercare as directed by your dentist. Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, but following your dentist’s guidelines will help speed up the healing process.
Takeaway Message
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems or you're unsure if they need to be removed, it’s essential to seek advice early. At Innova Dental Launceston, our dedicated team is here to provide expert care and answer any questions you may have.
Don’t wait for complications to arise—book a comprehensive exam with us today! Call 03 6331 6754 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
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