When Is a Good Time to Talk to Your Dentist About Wisdom Tooth Removal?  

Are you wondering whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? The truth is that not everyone needs wisdom tooth removal, but it’s still a good idea to talk it over with your dentist as early as possible.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the molars in the very back of your mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt from the gums. Individuals can get their wisdom teeth at any point between the ages of 15 and 25. For decades, these teeth were considered unnecessary. Many dentists back then recommended removing them as a preventative measure. Today, however, it’s been determined that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. For individuals who aren’t experiencing pain and whose wisdom teeth have emerged properly, there may be no need to have them extracted.

Reasons You Would Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

When it comes to getting your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist can schedule an extraction as soon as the wisdom teeth appear on the X-rays. This could happen in the early to late teen years. If the teeth look well-formed below the gumline and are in their proper positions, your dentist will simply keep an eye on them to make sure they emerge correctly. If they appear twisted or leaning, they may want to start talking about extracting them before they cause problems and pains in the mouth.

1. They Haven’t Emerged Completely

Sometimes wisdom teeth don’t’ emerge completely. They may be partially or halfway emerged above the gumline, but show no further signs of growing in completely. Due to the risk of tooth decay in the parts of the tooth below the gum line, most dentists typically recommend having them removed.

2. They Are Twisted or Leaning

Wisdom teeth don’t always grow in straight like most other teeth. They can lean into the other molars and erupt twisted. This can make proper cleaning extremely difficult. If the third molars are twisted or leaning, it’s often best to have them extracted.

3. They Are Impacted

Impacted wisdom teeth are stuck below the gum line and show no signs of emerging. This can lead to infections and cysts below the gum line that can negatively affect the nearby teeth. In this case, surgical removal of the wisdom teeth is needed in order to ensure the health of the gums, jaw, and nearby teeth.

4. They’re Infected

Wisdom teeth can be extremely hard to clean, even if they emerge properly. This can result in pain and infections in the gums surrounding the third molars. If you keep getting gum infections around your wisdom teeth, removing them can prevent future gum infections.

5. They Have Cavities

Cavities in wisdom teeth can be filled, providing there is enough room in your mouth for the tooth filling procedure. However, if your wisdom teeth have huge cavities that have compromised their structural stability, it’s best to have them removed.

6. Your Wisdom Teeth Hurt

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, whether it’s general jaw and gum pain, or pain that is the result of an infection or cavity, it’s a good idea to have them removed. Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed, you shouldn’t experience any further pain.

7. You Can’t Clean Them Properly

Since the wisdom teeth are located in the very back of the mouth. You may have difficulty getting your toothbrush and floss that far back. If this is the case, you may want to consider having them removed before they develop cavities and get infected.

Talking About Wisdom Tooth Removal With Your Dentist

If you aren’t sure if your wisdom teeth should be removed, you can always schedule an appointment at our Clermont family dental practice for a consultation. Our dentist would be happy to take x-rays of your teeth and jaw to determine if your wisdom teeth have formed and if they need to be removed in the future.

To have your mouth examined and determine if you need wisdom teeth removal, contact our office at 352-989-5815 and schedule your appointment today!