Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt—that is, come into—the smile, usually during adolescence. While there are some people who can have their wisdom teeth grow in normally and not face any oral health problems, many patients do not have the room for the new teeth to erupt properly. As such, many patients need to have wisdom teeth extracted.
Here are some common reasons why removing the third molars may be best for your oral health:
Crowding, Decay, and Infection
Often, instances of decay and teeth infections increase as your wisdom teeth erupt, for the new molars have no room within the jaw to properly grow. This crowding of the teeth makes it much more difficult to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine, especially with flossing, as the shifting teeth will have less space between them for adequately removing plaque. Similarly, the wisdom tooth can rub against the neighboring tooth and damage it. Cracks and erosion caused by this can increase the likelihood of infected tooth pulp, tooth abscess, and other infections. Undergoing wisdom teeth extraction can help you prevent these oral health issues.
Preventing Pericoronitis
Sometimes, patients will have their wisdom teeth come into their smile without clearing through the gum tissue completely. A flap of gum tissue may stretch over and cover part of the tooth in these circumstances. This flap can cause food particles and bacteria to get caught on top of the teeth, increasing the likelihood of both tooth decay and gum disease even more so than just having the wisdom tooth erupt.
This condition is called pericoronitis, and it is one of the most painful dental condition a person can experience. By removing the wisdom teeth showing signs of developing pericoronitis, our Marysville dentists are able to protect your smile from disease and decay.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Many patients will have wisdom teeth which become stuck under the bone and gum tissue completely, as opposed to the partial covering that leads to pericoronitis. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth, and they often grow at an odd angle and severely exacerbate crowding, decay, and infection potential.
Call Us Today for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Drs. Christopher M. Guster, Theresa R. Losey, and R. Alexander Mack are able to clinically examine your wisdom teeth to determine if any of the above issues are likely to happen. If so, Guster Losey & Mack DDS Inc can extract wisdom teeth for patients in Marysville, Plain City, Richwood, Bellefontaine, and the surrounding Columbus area communities. Call our practice today to schedule an exam.