Many people have had some or all of their wisdom teeth pulled. We’ve usually gotten them pulled because our dentist recommended it. They may have come twisted or with unnecessary force on your jaw or adjacent teeth. If your wisdom teeth were pulled, your dentist most certainly informed you that they would not fit. While this is true, there are numerous other benefits to extracting wisdom teeth.
What are the benefits of having your wisdom tooth extracted?
We’ve developed a summary of the benefits of having Edmonton tooth extractions so you may better understand the benefits of this procedure and the risks of leaving wisdom teeth untreated.
Prevents Headaches
The other teeth are fully developed and in place by the time the wisdom teeth erupt in late adolescence. Wisdom teeth strive to displace other teeth when there’s not enough space in the jaw. Strong tooth pressure can produce excruciating headaches, which can be alleviated by extracting the wisdom teeth.
Prevents Tooth Shifting
When wisdom teeth push on other teeth, the outcome is generally a jagged biting line of mismatched teeth. Wisdom teeth have the potential to push other teeth into parts of the mouth that are not visible to the human eye. Without an early evacuation, this change will merely worsen. If tooth movement is allowed to continue for an extended period, your Edmonton orthodontist may recommend that you get braces or have another procedure to straighten your teeth.
Reduced Probability of Periodontal Disease
As teeth shift in the mouth, reaching particular areas with a toothbrush or dental floss may become difficult. These irregular areas or overlaps can help to conceal hazardous bacteria. These germs can cause periodontal disease, tooth damage, and even tooth loss without prompt removal. You can avoid this problem and minimize your risk of acquiring tooth implants by having your wisdom teeth extracted when your dentist recommends it.
Prevents Infection
Your mouth is vulnerable to infection as your wisdom teeth erupt and crowd your other teeth. The high pressure may irritate the gums, underlying bones, and teeth or expose them to germs that can cause dental decay or tooth loss. Because of the pressure in your mouth, you may not notice that you have an infection right away, making it more difficult to treat. By removing wisdom teeth as soon as possible, dental infections can be reduced.
Better Oral Hygiene
Cleaning around a partially erupted wisdom tooth is especially challenging because only a portion of the tooth is accessible. Because of the limited space, it may be difficult to get a toothbrush around both sides of a fully erupted wisdom tooth and floss between them. Patients who develop wisdom teeth without experiencing pain usually develop oral hygiene problems and are unaware of the damage until it causes pain or is detected by a dentist.
Conclusion
If you or a family member has wisdom teeth, or if your regular dentist has discovered them during an examination, contact an oral surgeon to have them pulled. The sooner you have your wisdom teeth out, the sooner you will be able to avoid dental health complications.