Do I Really Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Removing your wisdom teeth for issues such as impaction is an obvious oral health decision. However, there are many reasons to remove your wisdom teeth, and some issues may not be obvious.
Explore why wisdom tooth removal at our Fairfax, VA, office may be the right treatment to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Impaction
Impaction is one of the most obvious reasons to remove your wisdom teeth. Impaction occurs when the teeth do not erupt properly. This can be caused by the wisdom teeth trying to come in at an angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause issues such as pain, overcrowding, infections, tooth decay, gum disease, and even headaches and jaw and ear pain.
Overcrowding and Shifting Teeth
Even if your wisdom teeth come through the gums properly, these molars can cause overcrowding. When overcrowding occurs, it can not only result in pain but also lead to your other teeth shifting out of place. This can cause issues with your bite and require orthodontic treatment if the shift and misalignment become worse. Overcrowding can also make it difficult to properly brush and floss all of your teeth. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. By removing the wisdom teeth, your other teeth have the necessary space.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to properly brush and floss. This increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. By removing your wisdom teeth you can better reach your back molars and ensure you are brushing and flossing to maintain your oral health.
Pain
If you have tooth, jaw, or facial pain, your wisdom teeth may be to blame. We can help ease the stress on your mouth and jaw joints and alleviate your pain. Patients with chronic headaches and migraines may find relief with wisdom teeth removal, as wisdom teeth can put pressure on certain muscles and nerves. Wisdom teeth can also cause temporomandibular joint disorder, which can cause pain and excessive wear on your teeth.
Cysts or Tumors
Cysts or tumors can develop near the wisdom teeth, leading to pain, infections, and other oral health complications. Wisdom teeth removal can prevent this issue or allow your dentist to better treat it to eliminate pain and infection and restore your oral health.
When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you have existing issues caused by your wisdom teeth, it is best to address this issue promptly. However, if you are proactively seeking wisdom tooth removal to prevent issues for you or your child, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth in the mid to late teens or early 20s.
If you are older than this, that doesn't mean you cannot undergo wisdom tooth removal. There may be some increased risks of nerve or bone damage, but your dentist will discuss these and help you determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Want to Discuss Wisdom Tooth Removal?
If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed, contact our Fairfax dental practice today and request a consultation. If you've been putting off wisdom teeth removal due to anxiety or fear, we offer sedation options to help make your procedure as comfortable as possible.
