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Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No one wants to lose a permanent “adult” tooth. So, why do people intentionally remove their wisdom teeth, even if they haven’t caused problems yet?
Technically, you don’t always have to remove these teeth. However, they do often cause issues in the long run.
Several factors determine if extraction is the best course of action, and that’s why you want the advice of a Board-Certified maxillofacial surgeon, like Brandon K. Cannon, DDS.
Dr. Cannon, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, performs a comprehensive exam to assess your wisdom teeth, mouth, and risk of potential complications. Then, makes personalized recommendations about whether to remove your wisdom teeth.
Here are the most common reasons Dr. Cannon may suggest extracting these teeth.
The problem with wisdom teeth
People may refer to these third molars as “wisdom” teeth because they come on the scene late, typically when you reach adulthood or 17-21 years of age. In the past, they might have served to replace adult teeth you may have lost, but with fewer people losing teeth, they don’t always serve a function.
Unfortunately, there’s typically little room in the mouth remaining for these teeth to develop or emerge in an ideal manner. This leaves them getting stuck partially or wholly below the gum line. When this occurs, you have an impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause several issues, including damage and decay.
But that’s not all.
Wisdom teeth can also grow at strange and awkward angles, whether it’s against nearby teeth, toward the back of the mouth, or even into the jaw itself.
All of these matters can add up to multiple problems, such as:
- Pain
- Overcrowding
- Bite and alignment issues
- Bone and tooth damage
- Extensive decay
- Gum disease, chronic infections, fluid-filled cysts, and tumors
It’s also common for wisdom teeth to be unpredictable, so these issues can arise at any time.
When to get your wisdom teeth removed
The removal process is often safer and simpler, and requires shorter recovery periods in patients between 15 and 22 years of age.
That’s because jawbones are less dense and tooth roots haven’t fully formed yet at this point in life.
Dr. Cannon might suggest removal if you have the following:
- Pain in or near the wisdom tooth site
- Widespread tooth decay or gum disease
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Persistent infections in the soft tissue behind your last lower tooth
- Cysts or tumors
If you do need your wisdom teeth extracted, you’re in good hands with Dr. Cannon. To book a consultation about your wisdom teeth with Dr. Cannon, call Cannon Oral Surgery at 423-541-9000 or use the online booking tool.