My patients often know that wisdom teeth usually at some point need to be extracted, but are unclear as to why, when and what are signs that wisdom teeth may soon need to come out.
First Step: What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most people will get. Typically erupting around the age of 16, these are the teeth that are last in the arch of the mouth. Some people might not have the teeth erupt or develop, but most people will have wisdom teeth at some point. The way that the teeth erupt will determine whether you will need to have them removed or not. An X-ray is sometimes used to determine if the teeth are developing properly and to show the dentist the direction that the teeth are growing. There are potential for up to four total, and one, two or all four could need to be removed.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some people can go through life without even knowing their wisdom teeth are in their mouth. If the teeth come through the gum line in a clean fashion without causing any damage to the adjacent teeth or the gum line, then there is usually no cause for removal. When the tooth is only partially through the gum line, there is a possibility for bacteria to grow between the tooth and gum. This is when the tooth, or teeth, will need to be removed. There is a soft tissue that grows when the tooth only erupts part of the way, and this is where the bacteria can develop. It can cause a bad taste in the mouth as well as bad breath. Pain can also be associated with the teeth only partially erupting.
Another reason to consider wisdom teeth removal is if they are growing at an angle. When the teeth develop, they might not have room to grow straight up in order to erupt through the gum line. The teeth will begin growing at an angle, moving under the adjacent tooth. This is the most common reason for pain from the wisdom teeth and normally when you might realize they have developed. Â The dentist can see on the X-ray how far underneath the adjacent tooth the wisdom tooth is growing to determine the best method of removal. When the teeth are extracted, they are typically cut out through an outpatient procedure.
While odds are that a large portion of people will need wison teeth to be extracted at some point in their lives, your dentist can provide the necessary exam and x-rays to give you a better idea of if and when this might apply to you.
