A wisdom tooth is a third molar that usually appears in the late teens or early 20s. A wisdom tooth is commonly referred to as the "third molars" or "wisdom teeth" because they are the last teeth to develop.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in a person's mouth. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may never develop them at all.
Wisdom teeth can be both beneficial and problematic depending on their location and how they grow. When properly aligned, wisdom teeth can help with chewing and contribute to a healthy bite. However, when these teeth don't have enough room to emerge or grow in at an angle, they can cause pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. As a result, many dentists recommend having them removed early before any complications arise. While wisdom teeth removal is not always necessary for everyone, it is important for individuals who experience discomfort or oral health issues related to these molars to seek dental advice from their healthcare provider about whether extraction is necessary for optimal oral health maintenance.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow crooked – or only emerge partially through the gums. This can cause painful crowding and pressure when biting down. Even if your third molars don't cause any pain or problems yet, your dentist may recommend extraction because they are difficult to keep clean. Bacteria and food particles can get trapped around the impacted wisdom teeth and cause cavities and infection. Without proper oral hygiene, wisdom teeth can also increase your risk of gum disease.
You may also need wisdom tooth removal if your teeth are shifting due to extra space in your mouth left by your other molars.
If you've experienced these symptoms and think you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment! We are happy to answer any questions you have about this procedure.
What Will Happen If I Don't Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The extraction of one or more wisdom teeth is one of the most common procedures performed in oral surgery. Although it is a common procedure, it is still surgery, and there are some risks you need to be aware of before having the procedure done. Here are the reasons why we recommend getting your wisdom teeth out as soon as possible.
Impacted wisdom teeth can damage your jawbone over time and cause pain. When impacted teeth break through the gum line, bacteria can grow, causing infection. That's why it's always best to get any broken or impacted tooth extracted as soon as you can.
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause bone loss and gum disease. A healthy mouth is all about balance. Having extra teeth can upset that balance and cause complications later on.
Crowding isn't the only reason we extract wisdom teeth. Sometimes patients choose to simply get their wisdom teeth removed because they never grew in properly, to begin with. Some patients have room for their wisdom teeth to grow normally, but there are also some who may not have enough space in their jaw to accommodate these extra teeth. In these cases, removing them may be the best option.
To have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Shirley Zao, please schedule an online appointment or call us at (925) 847-8790, and we will be happy to help.
