Have you ever found yourself googling “Why do I have a toothache?” and stumbling upon information about wisdom teeth extraction? It’s true, there are lots of opinions out there about whether or not to get them removed. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you make an informed decision! In this blog post, we’ll debunk myths and give you the facts on why wisdom teeth often need to be extracted and what the process involves. So if you’re curious about your own wisdom teeth situation, keep reading!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are extra molars located in the very back of your mouth, which usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties. They tend to arrive later than other permanent teeth because they are not needed for everyday activities such as eating and speaking. Unfortunately, these late-arriving teeth can cause problems due to a lack of space in the mouth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted?
While it’s generally recommended to have wisdom teeth removed before they cause problems, issues can still arise even after extraction. If you experience any discomfort or complications following your procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us right away. Our team is here to help address any concerns and get your mouth back on track to a healthy state as soon as possible.
What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
Since there is often not enough room in the jaw for them to grow correctly, wisdom teeth can become impacted—meaning they become stuck within the gums or partially emerge from the jawbone. This misalignment can cause severe discomfort and also create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to infection or gum disease. It can also cause overcrowding of other teeth, which could lead to further dental problems down the road.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any immediate symptoms, but can still increase your risk of dental problems later in life if left untreated. This is why it’s important to have a dentist evaluate your wisdom teeth before deciding whether extraction is necessary.
Getting a Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The process for extracting wisdom teeth varies from person to person, depending on their individual needs. In some cases, extractions may be done with just local anesthesia or with a combination of local and conscious sedation. In other cases, general anesthesia may be needed if there are multiple wisdom teeth that need extraction at once or if the tooth is deeply impacted and difficult to access. Your dentist will discuss which option is best for you during your initial consultation appointment.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that many people go through at some point in their lives. While it can seem intimidating at first, understanding why it needs to be done and what the procedure involves can help make it less stressful and more manageable overall.
We hope this blog post has shed some light on why wisdom teeth need to be extracted and what kind of problems they could potentially cause if left untreated. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Parkway Dental in Hamden. Our team is here to support you and provide the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral health.