Are you one of the many people who dread the thought of getting their wisdom teeth removed? While it may seem like an unnecessary expense and inconvenience, removing your third molars can actually be crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. 

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. These teeth are the last to come in and are often misaligned, which can cause a number of problems. When wisdom teeth don't have enough room to erupt properly, they can become impacted, meaning they're stuck beneath the gum line. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. Additionally, because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they're very difficult to clean properly and are more susceptible to decay. For these reasons, it's often necessary to remove wisdom teeth in order to maintain optimal oral health.

Why is it Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

It is estimated that over 85% of the population will develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth during their lifetime. When a wisdom tooth is unable to erupt through the gum tissue or only partially erupts, it is referred to as being impacted. An impacted tooth can cause many problems. The most common problems associated with impacted teeth are cavities and gum disease. Other problems include:

Tooth decay: When an impacted wisdom tooth only partially erupts, bacteria can easily collect around the tooth and cause cavities.

Gum disease: If an impacted wisdom tooth is not removed, it can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum disease is a serious infection that can damage the gums, bones, and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause cysts (fluid-filled sacs) to form around them. Cysts can damage adjacent teeth, bones, and nerves. In some cases, they may require surgery to remove them.

Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth are pain, swelling, and inflammation. When wisdom teeth become trapped in the gums or jawbone, they can cause a lot of discomforts. The pressure from the teeth can also damage the nearby molars, which can lead to more serious problems down the road. If you suspect that you have an impacted wisdom tooth, it's important to see a dentist right away for an evaluation.

Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth

There are many benefits of wisdom teeth removal, including improved oral health, easier dental hygiene, and decreased risk of future problems.

Wisdom teeth removal can help to improve oral health by preventing overcrowding and alignment issues in the mouth. It can also make dental hygiene easier by giving you more access to hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Wisdom teeth removal can also decrease your risk of developing problems with your wisdom teeth in the future, such as decay, infection, or impacted teeth.

What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure?

There are a few things that happen during a wisdom teeth removal procedure. First, the dentist will take x-rays of your mouth to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted or not. If they are impacted, this means they are growing in at an angle and are pressing against your other teeth. This can cause problems with your bite and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Next, the dentist will numb the area around your wisdom teeth with a local anesthetic. Then, they will make small incisions in your gums to expose your wisdom teeth. Once they have exposed your wisdom teeth, they will use special tools to remove them.

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, the dentist will stitch up the incisions in your gums. You may be given a gauze pad to bite down on to help control bleeding. You will also be given pain medication to help with any discomfort you may experience after the procedure.

Get in touch with Charles E. Dyer, IV, DDS, MS, PC, at 16316 Spring Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429, or call (281) 304-9911 for the best dental care.