Reasons You Might Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is usually the standard treatment when one of the third set of molars develops a problem. Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge, and that leaves them vulnerable to a number of problems.

For starters, their position at the back of the mouth makes them harder to clean, increasing their risk of decay. Secondly, since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, there is no guarantee there will be enough space for them on the jaw. This leads to problems like overcrowding and impacted teeth.

Wisdom teeth are a relic from a time when humans were mostly herbivores. They are no longer essential for functions like chewing or speaking, so losing one or more does not harm one's dental health.

Signs you need wisdom tooth extraction

Here are some signs that you might need to have one or more of your wisdom teeth removed:

1. Sinus problems

At times, a wisdom tooth develops issues that affect a person's airways, leading to pain, congestion and sinus pressure. Dentists typically recommend wisdom tooth removal when a person develops such issues.

2. Damage to other teeth

Wisdom teeth sometimes have a hard time breaking through the jaw, and they sometimes grow into other teeth. This can lead to bite problems and damage being done to surrounding teeth. This condition is called an impacted tooth, and it also increases a person's risk of tooth decay.

A dentist will typically recommend wisdom tooth extraction when a patient has an impacted tooth.

3. Tooth decay

As we mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay due to their location on the jaw. When food particles are left on teeth surfaces for prolonged periods of time, bacteria feast on them and produce acids that damage enamel. These acids will eat away at a tooth, creating holes called cavities.

A cavity that is left untreated will expand until it compromises the pulp chamber – where the tooth's nerve and blood vessels are housed. At this point, the person will experience excruciating toothaches and the tooth might become infected.

Most dentists are not fans of performing restorations on wisdom teeth, so if a patient has a severely decayed tooth, an extraction is typically recommended. This option saves the patient money and prevents future issues from developing.

4. Bad teeth alignment

If there is not enough space on a person's jaw when wisdom teeth erupt, there is a good chance the tooth becomes impacted. It can also crowd other teeth, leading to them moving out of their proper alignment. If a dentist determines a patient's poor teeth alignment is being caused by a wisdom tooth, it is usually extracted as part of the patient's orthodontic treatment.

Need wisdom tooth extraction?

Having a wisdom tooth extracted is probably not your idea of a good time, but it can improve your oral health and prevent a variety of nasty oral ailments from getting worse. Anesthetics are used during the treatment so you will not feel much.

Stop by our Milwaukee office for treatment today.

Get started today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Facts And Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction

When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. This dental restoration can prevent you from experiencing the complications of tooth loss. Knowing this treatment better can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are some dental bridge benefits that you must consider.Teeth have roots that anchor them to…

Tooth Extraction FAQ: At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

No one looks forward to tooth extraction, but sometimes it is necessary for a person's oral health. This is often the case with the last adult teeth to erupt, the wisdom teeth. Many people need to have one or more of their wisdom teeth removed because they are not coming in right, there is not…

How Dental Implants Are Used With Bridges

Dental implants are highly recommended when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace teeth and their roots. Other prosthetics like dentures and bridges simply replace the visible part of the tooth.Implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw and left there to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The…

Recent Posts

Facts And Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction

Facts And Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction

When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Bridge

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. This dental restoration can prevent you from experiencing the complications of tooth loss. Knowing this treatment better can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are some dental bridge benefits that you must consider.Teeth have roots that anchor them to…