Wisdom Teeth Issues
With age comes wisdom, but wisdom teeth may be one thing you don’t want to experience. Wisdom teeth can crowd other teeth, causing significant pain and dental problems. Dentists often recommend removing them because although they are invisible and may not cause issues when you are young, they can worsen as time passes. The expert team at Dr. Friedberg &Associates in Houston, TX, reviews the problems that wisdom teeth cause and explains the symptoms that indicate you need them extracted.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt in your late teens to early 20s. They are the final set of permanent teeth that come in, and they can cause problems if they don’t have enough room to erupt (referred to as impacted wisdom teeth) and push on the surrounding molars. Most wisdom teeth are removed to prevent oral health issues and resolve dental pain.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Are you wondering why you should consider a tooth extraction for your wisdom teeth? In addition to the pain associated with wisdom teeth eruption, they can also cause serious oral health problems if left untouched, some of which include the following:
- Damaged teeth – Impacted wisdom teeth that push against your second molars and damage your healthy teeth.
- Infections – If the teeth are not removed, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream near the infected tooth, leading to problems with your heart and other organs.
- Cysts – Occasionally, a small tumor or fluid-filled cyst may form around a wisdom tooth and affect the nearby teeth, the jawbone, and the nerves in the area.
- Tooth decay – Because you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with a toothbrush, they often decay or become infected.
If it appears that your wisdom teeth are starting to cause problems, Dr. Friedberg may recommend wisdom teeth removal. Some people have sufficient room in their jaw to allow the wisdom teeth to erupt without moving the other teeth. Even in these situations, a professional should check them to ensure there are no changes to your bite and that they are functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of dental professionals answers some common questions about wisdom teeth below.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are not needed and often cause more harm than good. It’s generally recommended to have them removed.
How Do Wisdom Teeth Lead to Tooth Decay?
Since wisdom teeth are far back in the mouth, it’s more difficult to floss and brush them effectively. This can lead to plaque buildup, inflammation, and, ultimately, tooth decay and infection.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
In most cases, it is easier to remove the teeth when you are younger rather than older. This is because the bone isn’t quite as dense, and the roots have not fully developed, decreasing the risk of damaging the teeth, bone, and nerves around them during removal.
Turn to Us for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Dr. Friedberg & Associates can help you choose the best treatment route for your specific situation rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to dental care. If you think it’s time to check your wisdom teeth or have them removed, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Friedberg today. We offer top-notch oral surgery and other dental treatments to help maintain your oral health. Our team proudly serves Houston, TX, and surrounding areas.
