Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth or third molars often erupt during adulthood. By this time, the mouth has developed a complete set of teeth, and the size of the jaw has stopped growing. It could be the reason why wisdom teeth frequently become problematic. When there is no room in the mouth for another molar, or when the third molar protrudes in an awkward position, it typically results in complications. For this reason, numerous doctors suggest wisdom tooth removal. A third molar surgery is usually performed between the ages of 15 to 20. The situation of your wisdom teeth can be detected with an x-ray. If you don’t feel any pain, but your third molar/wisdom teeth may soon cause a mouth problem, your dentist will recommend removal. There are various reasons why third molar removal is necessary. In this section we will know when the wisdom teeth can be kept or removed.

When Wisdom Tooth Removal Becomes Necessary

The Wisdom Teeth Will Cause or are Causing Damage to Other Teeth

The new set of growing molars may push the existing teeth, which may cause pain or bite problems. The new wisdom teeth may also damage other existing teeth by pushing against them as they grow. This problem can be prevented by removing wisdom teeth that can potentially damage teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Will Cause or are Causing Jaw Damage

Cysts can form around the wisdom teeth. These cysts can hollow out the jaws and damage the nerves.

Wisdom Teeth Will Cause or are Causing a Sinus Problem

An impacted wisdom tooth may cause further sinus problems leading to sinus pain, pressure, as well as congestion.

Wisdom Teeth Will Cause or are Causing Inflamed Gums

The location of wisdom teeth may cause the gums to swell and become difficult to clean. This could lead to more complicated issues such as infection.

Wisdom Teeth Will Cause or are Causing Cavities

Wisdom teeth can cause the gums to swell. The swollen gums can result in formation of pockets where bacteria grow. Thus, resulting in cavities.

Wisdom Teeth Will Affect or are Affecting the Teeth Alignment

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause overcrowding to the existing set of teeth. The new third molars may push against other teeth, which may affect the original alignment.

When Wisdom Teeth Can Be Kept

  • You have healthy third molars
  • Your wisdom teeth are positioned correctly
  • The third molars do not affect other teeth
  • The third molars are fully erupted
  • The wisdom teeth and surrounding gums can be cleaned easily
  • The wisdom teeth don’t cause pain or swelling

Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule a consultation and let our best surgeons assess your teeth. The only way to find out if your wisdom tooth must be removed is through an X-ray, and then analyzing its results. Get your questions asked during your consultation, our highly trained medical staff will be glad to provide answers. For the healthiest teeth and mouth possible, call Hill Country Oral Surgery today.