Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, can be found in the back of the mouth. While it is not uncommon to get an extra set of molars, they sometimes have to be removed as they can cause complications and issues.
Usually, they emerge when people are in their late teens or early adult years — specifically between the ages of 17 and 25. Although some people get one to four extra molars, some are lucky to not have any.
An impacted wisdom tooth is a condition where the tooth gets stuck under the gums because there is no room for it to break through. When a wisdom tooth gets impacted, the chance of having dental problems increases, so you need to know when to have it removed.
To help you understand whether you need to have your third molars extracted, we have listed the symptoms, complications, and factors you should consider.
Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Two things can happen when a wisdom tooth is impacted. The first is when it breaks through the gums, exposing it. When that happens, the wisdom tooth is considered partially impacted. On the other hand, there are cases when a wisdom tooth never breaks through the gums and is considered fully impacted.
While some people do not experience problems and issues with their wisdom teeth, others are forced to deal with irritation and pain. When a wisdom tooth gets impacted, it can cause infection and other issues in the gums. Here are some of the symptoms you should look out for:
- swelling and pain in the jaw
- swelling and bleeding gums
- unpleasant taste in the mouth
- bad breath
- difficulty chewing and opening the mouth
Complications of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Since wisdom teeth are painful for some, cleaning them can be hard. The risk of getting food stuck in them and in the gums gives way for potential problems to arise. A wisdom tooth that is not removed can cause issues, such as the following:
- plaque buildup and cavities
- tooth decay
- gum infection
- gum disease
- tooth crowding
- damage to other molars
- cysts
Regardless of whether it is a minor or major complication, knowing when to get your wisdom teeth removed is essential. Oral and dental health is connected to your overall well-being, so this can be a serious issue that needs a proper and immediate response.
How To Know If a Wisdom Tooth Needs To Be Removed?
To determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, a dentist’s advice and opinion can be of great help. If there is anyone who knows when to remove wisdom teeth, it will be them as they have the expertise and knowledge. Here are some factors that they take into consideration:
Health and Condition of Your Second Molars
One of the things that dentists will check before deciding to remove a wisdom tooth is the way it will affect your second molars. Wisdom teeth grow in different ways and angles. Some grow in a straight direction, while others emerge sideways. For that reason, there is a chance for them to grow directly towards other teeth.
The good thing is that dentists can check a wisdom tooth with an x-ray. They will be able to clearly see where and how a wisdom tooth grows and decide whether it has to be removed. Of course, if the growth of a wisdom tooth does not affect your second molars but still causes other problems to arise, then it still has to be extracted.
Gum Health
Another thing that dentists will check is if you have existing gum health issues that might be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth. Gum diseases can increase the risk of developing heart disease, so this has to be taken into consideration as well. If frequent inflammations and issues are arising in your gums, then your wisdom tooth has to be removed.
Level of Pain
People have different levels of pain tolerance. The pain from having an emerging wisdom tooth can be tolerable for some, while it can be too much for others. Because of this, you have to consult your dentist and physician to know the pros and cons of undergoing wisdom tooth removal surgery with an anaesthetic.
Age and Overall Health
The reason dentists recommend the removal of wisdom teeth during the late teenage years is that their roots are not yet fully formed and secured within a person’s gums. The process of extraction is much easier, and the post-surgery recovery will also be much more bearable. Moreover, you also have to disclose to your dentists if you have some underlying health conditions and maintenance medications, so they will know how to proceed with the wisdom teeth removal safely and properly.
Tooth Crowding
While crowding is one of the main reasons for wisdom teeth removal, it has been proven to cause no issues for most people. However, if tooth crowding does lead to problems for you, your best option is to discuss it with your dentist. They will know what needs to be done and come up with the best treatment plan for you.
Planning To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you are experiencing some problems with your third molars, it is best that you consult a dentist. As mentioned above, dentists have the expertise, knowledge, and experience when it comes to dental issues such as this one.
At Advanced Dental Group, we have partnered with the best dentists to provide you with the highest-quality dental services you deserve. Reach out to us, so we can connect you to them. For inquiries and questions, contact us anytime. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
