Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If the teeth are in a normal position then there is no reason that they cannot function as any other normal tooth. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and they may need to be removed.
When wisdom teeth are first erupting through the gum there can be associated pain and swelling. For some people this can be frequent and cause significant pain. In some people this can also lead to infection requiring treatment with antibiotics or even an emergency hospital admission and surgery.
It is common for wisdom teeth to only partially erupt into position so that there is a loose flap of gum overlying part of the tooth. This makes it very difficult to clean the tooth adequately and usually results in infection of the gum and eventual decay of the tooth. Restoring these teeth is not usually an option and results in them being extracted.
Impacted wisdom teeth may also develop cysts or other types of pathology in the surrounding bone.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth is usually safe and without significant complication.
Why would you need wisdom teeth removed?
Most people have them removed for one of these reasons:
- They are impacted. Because they’re so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
- They come in at the wrong angle. They may press against your other teeth.
- Your mouth isn’t big enough. Your jaw has no room for an extra set of molars.
- You have cavities or gum disease. You may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss.
- Prior to orthodontic treatment to avoid relapse and crowding
Our experienced dental practitioners at Poynton Place Dental & Implant Centre can provide the safest and most comfortable means of addressing problematic wisdom teeth.