Five million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed every year. This is because there is simply not enough room in their mouths for the additional teeth to claim their place in the jaw.
Once you reach the age when wisdom teeth come in, you should prepare to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options.
Continue reading to learn when and why you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt because they are the third set of molars. They begin to form while children are between seven and ten years old.
The teeth develop from calcium in the mouth, and then the crown forms. From there, the roots develop before they emerge through the gums.
The process, however, takes several years. By the time they’ve fully developed, the individual is between seventeen and twenty-five years old.
Your wisdom teeth won’t just pop up out of nowhere. In most cases, wisdom tooth eruption is preceded by:
- Jaw pain and swelling
- Bad taste or smell in the mouth
- Tender, red gums
- Bleeding gums
There is also a chance of pain in the jaw, eyes, and ears as a result of pressure in nerves.
When these symptoms don’t go away or the teeth don’t seem to be coming out on their own, it becomes a problem.
Why Might They Need to Be Removed?
Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth removed. Unfortunately, some of us just aren’t so lucky. So, when these symptoms become unbearable, it’s time to see your oral and maxillofacial surgeon so that you can schedule a wisdom tooth extraction.
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are trapped between the second molars and the back of the jaw. Partially impacted wisdom teeth occur when the crown makes it through the surface of the gums, but the tooth is unable to fully erupt. Fully impacted teeth are those that can’t break through the surface.
When wisdom teeth get trapped in the jaw, they are likely growing in at an angle. This means that they are either moving towards the back of the jaw or they are moving towards the second molars. When this occurs, other teeth may get moved or damaged, cysts or decay occur, or gum disease develops.
At this point, it is essential to get the wisdom teeth removed so that no further damage takes place.
Complications With Wisdom Teeth Removal
When wisdom teeth are pulled, it leaves a socket where a blood clot forms. The blood clot helps to prevent an infection or irritation from taking root. This is why your oral surgeon will recommend proper care and hygiene for your mouth after having wisdom teeth extracted.
Dry socket is a medical condition that occurs when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges, causing pain due to exposed bone and nerves. Taking a pain reliever and flushing the area helps to make sure that the empty socket stays clean and free of infection.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth can cause pain. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer for too long after you schedule an appointment to have them removed. At Synergy OMS, we can have you feeling better in no time!
Contact Synergy OMS today for more information about having those pesky teeth pulled.
