As an adult, you may have heard your dentist mention wisdom teeth. But do you know what they are and whether you have to get your wisdom teeth removed? This article discusses what wisdom teeth are, when to see an oral surgeon, and who needs to have them removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically appear in your mouth around the ages of 17 and 25. Some people’s wisdom teeth might come in normally or impacted, the latter of which can cause problems. In some cases, an individual might not even have these molars.
Does Everyone Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If your third set of molars comes in normally, there is no need to remove them. There are no proven benefits to removing wisdom teeth that come in as they should. Removing molars that are not threatening other teeth could leave the patient at risk of complications.
On the other hand, if these teeth are impacted, coming in at an angle, or only emerge partially through the gums, this could call for removal. Determining whether this procedure is necessary may depend on how badly these molars crowd the patient’s adult teeth. In short, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
Typically, when your wisdom teeth erupt from your gums, it will cause you pain. When pain is present, you should seek professional help from an oral surgeon so they can determine if you need oral surgery services. The surgeon will examine your mouth and take X-rays to conclude whether removal is necessary. Remember, it’s always best to see a dentist immediately when tooth or gum pain is present to get to the bottom of the issue as quickly as possible.
Signs You Need Removal
If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. If the molars are pushing into your other teeth, you will need removal because this can damage your mouth. Other symptoms could include swollen gums, cysts, sinus issues, pain in the jaw, and pain in the back of your mouth.
Visit your dentist regularly to stay on top of your oral hygiene. These appointments can also help you spot problems caused by wisdom teeth growing in. Consider Cal Dental Group for dental services—we offer a multitude of services to meet each of our patient’s individual needs.