Wisdom teeth–you don’t need them to chew, but do you need to get them taken out? In this blog, we’ll take a look at these back teeth and talk about when you or your child can expect to need them removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third molars are called wisdom teeth because they don’t erupt through the gums until later in life, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. A person could have anywhere from zero to four wisdom teeth. And if they teeth grow in straight and without complications, they may be a helpful addition to your mouth. However, that’s not often the case.
When & Why Should They Be Removed?
Once wisdom teeth begin to emerge, or when you or your child is around the age at which they tend to emerge, our expert team can determine whether or not they need to come out. Everyone’s mouth is unique, but in general, there are a few common reasons why these teeth would need to come out:
- Impacted Teeth
- Partially Exposed Teeth
- Crooked Teeth
- Crowded Teeth
Wisdom teeth can begin to grow in incorrectly and become trapped, which can lead to a cyst, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t finish fully growing in. In these instances, removal will be deemed necessary as the area will become tough to clean and will become vulnerable to decay and infection.
When wisdom teeth are misaligned compared to their neighboring teeth, effective brushing and flossing is restricted in the back of the mouth. Without proper oral hygiene, your risk of decay and gum disease increases.
In many instances, wisdom teeth grow into a mouth that just doesn’t have room for them. Overcrowding can seriously shift a smile, potentially undoing years of braces or even damaging surrounding teeth.
Trust Our Growing Smiles Dental Team!
Here at Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry, we remove teeth only when necessary. So you can trust that your oral health is our first priority. Each patient’s treatment plan is customized based on their smile needs! During a checkup, we can determine whether you or your child requires wisdom teeth removal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. If you are new to our dental office, be sure to check out our new patient specials!