The decision to remove wisdom teeth often stems from the problems they can cause. Impaction, infection, and crowding are just a few of the issues that can arise. On the other hand, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. And some individuals don't develop wisdom teeth at all.
When you come in and see us at Hoffman Dental we can perform a dental cleaning and exam, and take x-rays to determine the health and status of your wisdom teeth and if we recommend having them extracted.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are sometimes also called third molars.
These teeth, at the very back of the mouth, are typically the last set of teeth to erupt in a person's mouth, usually making an appearance between the ages of 17 and 25.
While some people have plenty of room in their mouths to accommodate these late-blooming teeth, others may not be so fortunate, leading to a conversation about tooth removal or wisdom teeth extraction .
why remove your wisdom teeth?
There are several reasons dentists or specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, suggest extracting wisdom teeth.
Impaction
For starters, wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they're unable to break through your gums because there's not enough space.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and infection, and can even cause damage to surrounding teeth.
When there's insufficient room to grow, wisdom teeth can get trapped in your jaw. In addition to infection, cysts can develop.
Alignment Issues and Overcrowding
Emerging wisdom teeth can push on other teeth, causing pain and alignment issues.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow at the wrong angles and can pose potential problems for your dental health. Overcrowding can disrupt previous orthodontic work.
Prevent Cavities and Gum Disease
Another reason for wisdom teeth extraction is the prevention of cavities and gum disease.
Wisdom teeth, especially those partially erupted, are hard to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth. This can lead to the buildup of bacteria and plaque, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease.
As a Precaution
Sometimes, wisdom teeth are removed as a proactive measure, even if they're not currently causing problems.
This is because the potential for future issues remains, and extraction can be more complicated as people age due to the roots becoming fully anchored into the jawbone.
aftercare
Proper aftercare is vital after a wisdom tooth extraction to speed healing and avoid complications.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions about eating, drinking, cleaning the area, and using medications.
Typically, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least a few days, and eat soft foods until the area in your mouth heals.
The journey with your wisdom teeth, from extraction to post-procedure aftercare should be guided by a reliable, and experienced dental practitioner.
If you're in Hillsboro, OR our oral health professionals await you at Hoffman Dental and are ready and equipped to guide you through this process with care and precision.
