According to the National Library of Medicine, 10 million third molars (aka your wisdom teeth) are extracted from approximately five million people in the U.S. annually. Your wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt in your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people never develop wisdom teeth; for others, their wisdom teeth might not create any issues. But as you can see from the statistic above, most people who do have wisdom teeth need to have them removed at some point.

Do your wisdom teeth need to come out?

If you have wisdom teeth, your dentist has probably kept a close eye on them. For many, wisdom teeth can start creating issues, resulting in oral surgery for impacted wisdom teeth or extraction for those that have popped through the gum line. But what exactly determines if your wisdom teeth need to come out or if they can continue residing in the back of your mouth?

Let’s start with why you can keep your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will recommend you keep your wisdom teeth for the following reasons.

• Your third molars are in the right position and are not disrupting your bite.
• They are healthy.
• They have completely grown in (fully erupted).
• You can adequately clean your teeth during your daily oral hygiene routine.

But the reality is that, for most patients, wisdom teeth simply don’t have enough space to come in properly. Because there is such a small amount of space towards the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth tend to come in at different angles. Your dentist may recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed immediately for the following reasons.

Some Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Sometimes wisdom teeth only emerge partially.

It is difficult to see and properly clean the teeth in these situations. When they don’t fully emerge, there is a greater risk of bacteria development that can lead to oral infections or gum disease. 

2. Your wisdom teeth are hidden underneath the gums.

When your wisdom teeth are completely hidden underneath your gums, they are considered impacted. This can lead to infection or a cyst that could cause damage to other teeth or your jawbone.

3. Your new wisdom teeth can crowd the surrounding teeth.

As we’ve indicated, there isn’t much room in the back of your mouth. And this can cause crowding when those wisdom teeth try to make an appearance. As a result, it can cause damage to the adjacent teeth.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal

Many dentists, including the dental team at Davis Family Dental Care, recommend the removal of wisdom teeth before they emerge. Early removal, especially when patients are younger, can prevent long-term damage to other teeth. Also, the younger the patient is, the quicker the recovery is because the tooth and bone have not yet fully formed.

But, occasionally, you might experience signs that your wisdom teeth need removal before your dentist plans to remove them. Be on the lookout for these signs that your wisdom teeth need to come out.

• Pain in the back of your mouth or pain or stiffness in your jaw.
• Inflamed or bleeding gums.
• Cysts inside your mouth, especially toward the back.
• Earaches, headaches, or other sinus issues. 
• Crooked or overcrowded teeth.

If you can feel your wisdom teeth pressing on your gums, you should bring it up with your dentist. 

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process 

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common process. Before your procedure begins, an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia if your wisdom teeth are impacted. If your wisdom teeth have popped through the gum line, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. 

During a wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will do the following:

• Make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
• Remove any bone that blocks access to the root of your tooth.
• Divide your wisdom tooth into sections for easier removal.
• Remove the tooth.
• Clean and disinfect the extraction site, ensuring it is free of debris from tooth or bone.
• Suture the wound with stitches to ensure proper healing. 
• Place gauze over the extraction site to form a blood clot and stop bleeding.

The length of your procedure will vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you need removed and whether or not they are impacted. However, most procedures are completed in 20 minutes or fewer once the anesthetic has taken hold.

Need your wisdom teeth removed? Contact Davis Family Dental Care in Bedford, TX.

Are you experiencing discomfort or other signs there are problems with your wisdom teeth? Contact Davis Family Dental Care today for comprehensive and family-oriented care.