You’ve probably heard that you don’t need your tonsils or appendix. There are a few other things that you don’t need, and when they begin making their presence known, they usually need to be extracted.
They are your wisdom teeth, and aside from taking away the pain that you feel in your mouth when they begin to erupt, there are a few other reasons as to why you want to consider having them removed.
1. Pain
If you’re in severe pain because of your wisdom teeth, then you should consult with an oral surgeon about having them removed. The pain that you experience can often navigate to a headache or pain in your sinuses or ears. Severe pain can often impact daily activities and make it difficult to concentrate. Once your wisdom teeth are removed, then you can usually get immediate relief from any kind of pressure or pain that you’ve been experiencing.
2. Infection
Sometimes, your wisdom teeth might not completely erupt through your gums. There is often a just enough space around the portion of the tooth that has erupted where bacteria can settle. Once bacteria settles near or underneath your teeth, then it can lead to an infection. Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent an infection from forming and clean the gums and nearby teeth in order to remove any signs of infection that are present.
3. Tooth Damage
As your wisdom teeth begin to push through your gums, they can put pressure on the tooth that is next to it, resulting in damage to that tooth. Once enough pressure is put on your back teeth from your wisdom teeth, others can begin shifting as well. This can result in a breakdown of the enamel or even cavities that form because it’s difficult to clean teeth that are pressed tightly together.
4. Issues With Your Sinuses
As your upper wisdom teeth erupt, the pressure and pain can sometimes result in sinus issues. You might notice more nasal drainage or even more sinus infections as the pressure continues to build from the teeth breaking through your gums. If they don’t erupt, then they will usually continue to apply pressure to your sinuses, which can then result in irritation to the lining of the sinus cavity.
5. Cysts
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, then a small balloon can form around them. This small area can then result in a cyst forming along the jaw bone. As the cyst begins to grow, it can deteriorate the jaw and other teeth that are in your mouth. Removing your wisdom teeth is often the best solution for dealing with these cysts. The Mt Gravatt Dentist Newnham Family office can examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays to determine if there are any cysts present or if there are any other issues that should be addressed involving your jaw bone.
6. Impacted
If your wisdom teeth don’t have space to come through your gums, then they will stay impacted. Sometimes, your teeth might grow at an angle, preventing them from being able to break through while pushing on the tooth next to it as well. If you don’t see that your wisdom teeth have come through your gums after experiencing signs that they should be seen, then you might need to have them removed before they begin to pose dental issues.
There are times when your teeth might not erupt and you won’t notice signs at all that they are impacted, which is why it’s also important to visit your dentist on a regular schedule so that examinations and X-rays can be performed.
7. Function
If the position of your wisdom teeth is causing issues with the oral functions, such as eating, then you might want to have them removed. You also need to pay attention to how clean you’re able to get your teeth once they come through. If you’re unable to properly clean your wisdom teeth and those that are nearby, then it’s usually better to have them extracted so that you can perform proper cleaning of your mouth.
8. Preventing Health Issues
There’s no set age as to when you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, and there are some people who don’t have them removed at all. However, visiting an oral surgeon to have them extracted can often prevent gum disease and other health issues. Heart disease is sometimes linked to the health of your mouth. Removing your wisdom teeth so that you can properly care for the other teeth that you have can sometimes aid in decreasing your risk of heart disease as well as gingivitis and other concerns.
9. Nerve Damage
If your wisdom teeth are pressing against nerves in your gums or other areas of your mouth, then you might experience tingling or numbness. This is a sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed before the nerves are damaged to the point that they are unable to function as they should. Areas, where you might experience numbness and tingling, are along your jawline and in your cheek area.
10. Bad Breath
Not brushing your teeth can lead to bad breath. However, wisdom teeth that come partially through your gums or that don’t come through all the way can also lead to bad breath that you might not be able to brush away. The bacteria that sits around wisdom teeth that do erupt will usually stay there because it’s so difficult to get your teeth clean. This is because they are pressed against the molars at the back of your mouth. Infection from your wisdom teeth can also result in bad breath.