Wisdom Teeth

Why Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Here are 10 reasons why you should get your wisdom teeth removed:

• You should be proactive and eliminate potential problems before they start.
• You will be maintaining healthier, long-term oral function.
• You will be avoiding the risk of impaction and all of the problems associated with it.
• You are eliminating the threat of gum disease and periodontal disease.
• Keep your bite alignment and preserve your orthodontic investment.
• Bad oral health affects long-term, overall health.
• It is safe to assume your jaw isn’t large enough for wisdom teeth.
• You will have peace of mind knowing you have a healthy mouth.
• You will face greater risk of post-operative complications if you put off wisdom teeth treatment.
• If you are a woman, wisdom teeth removal can help lessen the occurrence of low fetal birth weight.

What Are Third Molars?

While most people have 32 teeth, the average mouth can only hold 28. It will be very painful and problematic when all of those teeth try to fit into a space that is too small. The four additional teeth that are disposable are your third molars, also known more commonly as “wisdom teeth.” Your third molars are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth and don’t really possess any beneficial purpose to the mouth. Removing your third molars is necessary because they may partially emerge from the gum, grow sideways, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone; most wisdom teeth are unable to erupt in a healthy manner. Wisdom teeth have a tendency to become impacted and take on many positions in the bone just to find a pathway to successfully erupt. Third molars do not have to be removed when they align properly and the gum tissue remains healthy, but this does not happen very often.

Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

It is safe to assume that you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed, but the only way to know for sure is to have a thorough exam with an oral surgeon. Your wisdom teeth may be erupting at an angle or even point backward, which can cause serious problems. You also probably fall into the common category of people who have a small jaw bone, so it doesn’t have adequate space for a third set of molars. Wisdom teeth can also become impacted, which means they are partially or completely covered by gum tissue and bone, putting you at high risk for infections or even cysts. Sometimes patients experience jaw bone damage that only becomes more serious over time. Even if wisdom teeth grow in properly, they may be recommended for removal; wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to keep healthy. Because wisdom teeth are located in the far back of your mouth, they are much more difficult to regularly maintain. Wisdom teeth are a high risk for infection, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. You can feel confident knowing that when you have your wisdom teeth removed at Northern Westchester Oral Surgery, we will help you feel at ease. You will receive a wisdom teeth removal procedure that is handled by experienced professionals.

Common Myths About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Everyone will get their wisdom teeth extracted.
Just because wisdom teeth extraction is necessary for a lot of people, this doesn’t mean it applies to everyone. Every patient has a different situation and set of circumstances, so not everyone will need to get their wisdom teeth removed. You will need to discuss your medical history, any medical conditions you currently have, and any possible alternatives with your doctor.

Your wisdom teeth are always going to be a problem.
It is a very common recommendation that people get wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth removal helps you maintain good oral health and reduces the risk of disease, oral infection, and tooth impaction. Most people will need to get all four teeth removed due to the size of the jaw. But this determination depends on the patient’s specific condition. While it is the most common scenario, this doesn’t mean it will be the best option for you. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Adults should not get their wisdom teeth removed.
If you are in good health, it is safe to move forward with wisdom teeth removal. Typically, young adults are recommended for wisdom teeth removal in order to prevent future problems when they reach adulthood because during your mid-teenage years, your wisdom teeth aren’t completely established into the jaw, offering the best case for wisdom teeth removal and a speedy recovery.

Wisdom teeth cause overcrowding.
When your wisdom teeth are developing, a large, healthy mouth will accommodate all of the teeth with vertical roots. In most cases, however, these additional molars grow in horizontally or at an angle and push the rest of your teeth because most jaws do not have enough space to accommodate the teeth. The term “overcrowding” refers to the placement and position of the wisdom teeth, which causes shifting of the other teeth, so when the wisdom teeth are unable to establish in a healthy manner, they can push or harm your other healthy teeth.