Wisdom teeth get their name because they come in much later than our other teeth, not because they make us smarter. Some people don’t even have wisdom teeth. However, if they do, they generally emerge during the late teen years or early twenties. Chances are that you know some people who have had their wisdom teeth extracted and some people who haven’t. So what’s the deal? Here are some reasons why you would need to get your wisdom teeth removed.
Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted
When everything goes perfectly, your wisdom teeth erupt fully and come in perfectly straight so that the rest of your teeth are unaffected. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Most people do not have a large enough jaw to handle three sets of molars. One thing that can happen is that your wisdom teeth become impacted. This means that they don’t come in all the way. Either part of the tooth is stuck under the gums, or the whole tooth is stuck under the gums. It’s not a good idea to leave the teeth like this because it can lead to infection and pain, so removal is recommended.
Your Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Nearby Damage/Crowding
Another common problem with wisdom teeth is that they can come in at an angle. In this case they push on the nearby teeth, creating damage or misalignment. Even if they come in straight, there may not be enough room in your mouth for them to fit with all of your other teeth that are there. In these cases, it’s better to have them removed so that you don’t face serious orthodontic complications in the future.
Oral Surgery in Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls
The team at Riverstone Dental Care will use X-rays and an examination to see if wisdom teeth extraction is the right move for you. The teams at both of our locations are experienced in providing this procedure, and we’re happy to help you maintain a healthy smile.
