Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. While some people have no issues with them, many experience problems that require removal. Dentists don’t recommend extraction for everyone, but in certain cases, taking them out is the best way to protect your oral health.
Here are three of the most common reasons wisdom teeth need to be removed.
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the main reasons for removal is impaction. This happens when the tooth doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may remain trapped in the jawbone or partially break through the gums, often at odd angles.
This can lead to swelling, pain, and difficulty cleaning the area properly. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can even damage neighboring teeth or increase the risk of infection. Removing impacted teeth early can prevent these complications and save you from more serious dental issues down the road.
2. Overcrowding and Alignment Problems
Even when wisdom teeth come in fully, they may cause crowding in the mouth. This can push your other teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work or creating new bite problems. Crowded teeth are also harder to clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease.
By removing wisdom teeth before they disrupt your smile, dentists can help maintain proper alignment and make it easier for you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
3. Risk of Infection or Decay
Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, which makes them difficult to reach with brushing and flossing. As a result, they are more prone to cavities and gum infections. A partially erupted tooth can also create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to painful infections such as pericoronitis.
Extracting wisdom teeth eliminates this risk and helps protect the rest of your teeth from similar problems. For many patients, removal is a proactive way to avoid recurring discomfort and future dental treatments.
The Bottom Line
While not every patient needs their wisdom teeth removed, impaction, crowding, and infection risks are three strong reasons why extraction may be the right choice. If you’re unsure about your situation, your dentist can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best course of action.
About the Practice
At White Peak Dental, patients can count on personalized, expert care when it comes to wisdom tooth removal. Dr. Hansen uses advanced techniques to make extractions as comfortable and stress-free as possible, while also focusing on long-term oral health. Our experienced team is here to answer questions, ease concerns, and provide guidance for a smooth recovery.
Call us at (801) 719-2113 or request an appointment online.