Are Your Wisdom Teeth Up to No Good?
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, make their big debut when you are between the ages of 17 and 24. Not everyone has them, but some who do may experience wisdom teeth pain or other symptoms when they erupt. While some wisdom teeth arrive with no problems, others become trapped inside the jaw; these are called impacted wisdom teeth. Impaction usually happens because there isn’t enough room inside the mouth for the late-blooming molars to erupt. If they can’t break through your gums, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems, and your dentist may want to extract them surgically.
6 Complications Necessitating Wisdom Teeth Removal
You may require wisdom teeth removal if they’re causing any of these problems:
- Bone loss or damage
- Interfering with orthodontic treatment
- A cyst filled with fluid that’s next to the tooth
- Wisdom teeth pain
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- An infection
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Different Expert Opinions
Wisdom teeth that are not creating any noticeable problems are often left alone. Dentists don’t always agree on the value of tooth extraction as a preventative measure. Some specialists feel there is not enough evidence that impacted teeth will cause future problems to justify the risks. Supporters of wisdom teeth removal make these arguments:
- Potential problems with impacted teeth are difficult, if not impossible, to predict.
- If you wait to have wisdom teeth removal later in life, the risk of surgical complications increases significantly.
- Even impacted teeth that produce no symptoms could be infected.
- Having intact wisdom teeth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Serious complications of tooth extraction are rare in young adults.
Every patient who has wisdom teeth pain is different. If you have pain or impacted teeth, consult your dental professional to determine if your best option is tooth extraction.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Virginia, call Dental One Associates of Virginia today at or make an appointment.
Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Virginia. With 6 affiliated practices throughout Virginia, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Virginia, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Virginia.
