Wisdom Teeth: Why Risk It?

Have you been told that you need to get your wisdom teeth out, yet you don’t feel any discomfort? Although there are no set rules for when the wisdom teeth must come out, the ideal time frame is typically between 18 and 24 years of age. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to emerge. These four teeth are known for causing more harm than good. We don’t actually need this set of molars for dental function, and they can cause a number of oral health problems if they come in sideways, partially erupt or become impacted (which is too often the case).

Many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal at an early age as a proactive approach to prevent potential problems. If you are not experiencing any symptoms with your wisdom teeth, you certainly have the option of waiting it out. However, you will put yourself at risk for the following problems from poorly aligned or impacted wisdom teeth:

• Damage to adjacent teeth, the jawbone and nerves due to shifting and crowding
• Plaque and bacteria accumulation in crowded back areas of your mouth, putting you at risk for decay and gum disease
• Infection from impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in swelling, jaw stiffness and general malaise
• Bite misalignment

Wisdom teeth removal is a small price to pay to avoid these dental problems. It is a procedure that can be performed in our office at Pleasant Plains Dental. We keep our patients comfortable with sedation dentistry and well informed on what to expect during recovery. In most cases, your dental insurance plan covers the removal of wisdom teeth, which have partly grown in or are impacted below the gum.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Henry J. Ernst, Pleasant Plains Dental