Are You a Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Some patients have the idea that everyone must have their wisdom teeth removed, but in many cases, patients are able to go their entire life without a problem from their wisdom teeth. However, in some patients, the teeth will need removed at some point, and waiting too long can have some serious consequences. Are you a candidate for wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom Tooth Removal to Prevent Problems

You may be a candidate for wisdom tooth removal if your dentist sees that they need to be removed to prevent serious oral health problems. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, your wisdom teeth could be impacted or stuck, meaning they’re unable to break through the jaw. Your mouth could be too small for the teeth or your wisdom teeth could be growing in at the wrong angle. Sometimes your dentist may decide to take out the wisdom teeth to prevent future problems, and waiting to take them out could increase your risk of complications after surgery, such as fractured teeth and heavy bleeding.

Signs your Wisdom Teeth Need Removal 

What are some of the signs you’re a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal? Some of the big signs it’s time for them to come out include:

• Sinus Problems – If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, it can result in sinus pressure, congestion, and severe pain. When you start having sinus problems due to your wisdom teeth, your dentist will usually suggest removal.

• Damage to the Jaw – Sometimes it’s possible for cysts to form around your wisdom teeth when they grow in. When left untreated, this can result in hollowing of the jaw and even nerve damage. This means it’s time for these teeth to be removed.

• Damage to Other Teeth – When wisdom teeth come in, they can push around your other teeth. This may result in bite problems or mouth pain. If they come in at the wrong angle, they can damage surrounding teeth. Impacted teeth can also make it more likely for surrounding teeth to be affected by tooth decay. If the wisdom teeth are damaging other teeth, you’re a good candidate to have them taken out.

• Cavities – If your gums become swollen around your wisdom teeth, you may end up with pockets between the teeth. Bacteria can easily grow in these pockets, increasing the risk of cavities.

• Gum Inflammation – Another sign you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed is gum inflammation. Tissue around your wisdom teeth may swell up, making it tough to clean your teeth. This can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease, so the teeth may need to come out.

• Alignment Problems – When your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can end up crowding your other teeth. Sometimes you may even require treatment to help straighten the other teeth. If you’re dealing with overcrowding and alignment issues it’s time to ask about wisdom tooth removal.

• Infection and Pain – Wisdom teeth can become infected and can cause a lot of pain as well. If you’re dealing with a lot of pain that is coming from the wisdom teeth, such as pain in the jaw and in the surrounding area, it’s time to have these teeth removed.

While having your wisdom teeth removed probably doesn’t sound very fun, in many cases, it’s necessary to have them taken out to improve your oral health and prevent further problems. Talk to your Melbourne, Florida oral surgeon to find out if you’re a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal and ask for an explanation of the procedure. Today great oral surgeons can make the removal as painless as possible so you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.