While wisdom tooth extraction is not a procedure that most people enjoy, the results can significantly improve oral health, as well as general comfort. With that being said, it is important to be aware of when to consider an extraction when wisdom teeth begin erupting.
The third and final set of molars are called the wisdom teeth because they are the last adult teeth to grow in, when a person is supposedly "older and wiser." However, these teeth may cause issues with oral health, especially if they are impacted. These teeth failing to erupt from the gums completely or at all can cause various oral health issues, though even people who have wisdom teeth that are not impacted may want to consider extraction.
Wisdom teeth should not necessarily be extracted at a certain age. Everyone’s wisdom teeth come in at a different time, and occasionally people do not have them at all or do not have issues when they do come in. However, they most commonly appear during the later teen years, so to be careful people should have them checked for during adolescent years, once the other adult teeth have grown in. Most dentists begin checking for impacted wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 19. It should be noted that it is still possible to perform a wisdom tooth extraction at an older age, but it can cause more pain than if the patient is younger or still developing.
Dentists typically recommend that wisdom teeth be removed as soon as they appear, especially if they are impacted. Because teeth grow and develop roots beneath the gums, it can be extremely painful to wait on pulling them. Having them extracted early on can help reduce the pain from pulling not just the tooth but the fully developed roots too.
Aside from the roots causing pain, the bone around the teeth will also be softer at a younger age. When the wisdom teeth first develop, the surrounding jawbone will still be tender and not yet fully formed. As time passes, and the teeth become set in place, the bone will harden, which could cause greater discomfort during a wisdom tooth extraction.
Beyond adolescence, a lot of dentists recommend that their patients consider a wisdom tooth extraction due to pain or crowding. In many cases, other teeth surrounding the wisdom teeth may start to shift due to a limited amount of space. In other scenarios, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain or infections between other teeth or even along the gum line. When either crowding or pain takes place, patients should look into a wisdom tooth extraction.
Are your wisdom teeth causing you trouble or discomfort? It is better not to wait for treatment. Any questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth removal should be directed to a dental professional.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Routine dental checkups often include preventive measures that go beyond cleaning teeth. An example is the oral cancer screening. General dentists recommend these screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of oral cancer screenings and what to expect during them can help you decide whether…
A restorative dentist is also known as a general or family dentist. Their main priority is to help you maintain optimal oral health. Sometimes, this means restoring or replacing damaged or missing teeth.Restorative dentists repair or replace damaged teeth through various methods. Of course, they try to prevent the need for extensive procedures or the…
Wondering what a restorative dentist can do about worn-down teeth? Read on to learn more. It is normal for teeth to wear down. However, it becomes problematic if the rate of wear is disproportional to the patient's age. This common dental issue weakens the teeth and also makes the tooth less appealing. A few oral…
Clear braces and other orthodontic advances make teeth straightening treatment more attractive to many patients. From clear aligners to ceramic braces, these innovative treatments allow patients to align their smiles without noticeable metal brackets and wires. Thanks to these alternatives, teeth straightening has become more accessible to those who want to avoid traditional metal braces.Traditional…
Routine dental checkups often include preventive measures that go beyond cleaning teeth. An example is the oral cancer screening. General dentists recommend these screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of oral cancer screenings and what to expect during them can help you decide whether…
A restorative dentist is also known as a general or family dentist. Their main priority is to help you maintain optimal oral health. Sometimes, this means restoring or replacing damaged or missing teeth.Restorative dentists repair or replace damaged teeth through various methods. Of course, they try to prevent the need for extensive procedures or the…