Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Extracting Wisdom Teeth Now Prevents Issues in the Future

Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that develop after all of the other permanent teeth, usually during the late teens or early twenties. You already have molars that grind and chew food, so wisdom teeth are not necessary for oral function. Plus, the average adult mouth does not have room for an extra set of molars.

Without enough space, wisdom teeth will push other teeth out of alignment to try and make room. It’s rare for a wisdom tooth to develop and not cause any issues. That’s why dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. The presence of wisdom teeth may cause:

• Jaw pain
• Infection
• Cysts or tumors
• Overcrowding
• Misalignment
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay

If left untreated, these issues may develop or worsen over time. You can prevent these problems and more from having the chance to arise by having your wisdom teeth extracted by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

Some people who develop wisdom teeth experience no discomfort and may not even realize they have developed these extra molars. One of the most common signs of wisdom teeth is pain or pressure in the back of the mouth caused by these teeth trying to squeeze into the dental arch. In addition to pain, there are other symptoms of wisdom teeth to watch out for. If you experience any of these signs, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted:

• Swelling in the back of the mouth
• Swollen or tender gums
• Ongoing bad breath
• Sore or swollen lymph nodes under the jaw

Sometimes, you can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums. If you notice new teeth coming in behind your second molars or experience any of the symptoms above, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today. Our oral surgeons will evaluate your oral health and determine the right course of action for your needs, which may include wisdom tooth removal.

Wisdom Teeth Infections

Impacted wisdom teeth can put you at a higher risk for developing oral infections. A partially impacted wisdom tooth is one that has partially emerged through the gums, and a fully impacted wisdom tooth is one that is completely stuck beneath the gum tissue.

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean around and easily trap food particles and bacteria between the tooth and the gums. Bacteria and plaque buildup leads to infection and cysts or tumors may form around the infected tooth. Infection in the mouth can also cause a chronic bad taste and bad breath, even with regular brushing.

Just like other teeth, wisdom teeth are subject to cavities and tooth decay. If you have an infected wisdom tooth, having the tooth removed is often the first step of treating the issue. While wisdom tooth infections can be uncomfortable, Dr. Christopher Galea or Dr. Broc Hammon will alleviate the source of discomfort while providing you with an outstanding patient experience. Following tooth extraction, we may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to help you recover fully and comfortably. Contact us today if you have wisdom teeth and suspect an infection or if you are experiencing pain in or around the mouth.

At What Age Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Ideally, you should have wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. This is during the late teens or early twenties for most people. The extraction process is easier during this time because the teeth have not yet fully developed. However, you can have wisdom teeth extracted at any age. It is not uncommon for adults in their thirties or beyond to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you should have your teeth examined regularly by a dental expert who can identify the presence of wisdom teeth and refer you to an oral surgeon when it’s time to have them removed. Dentists take X-rays and are often the first to notice a problematic wisdom tooth, but an oral surgeon is the expert to see to have third molars removed.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Reno and Sparks, NV

Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon offer wisdom teeth removal in Reno, Sparks, and any nearby Nevada areas. If you or your child have wisdom teeth or would like an oral health examination, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to schedule a consultation for wisdom teeth removal in Reno, NV or Sparks, NV.