Consider Wisdom Teeth Extraction to Prevent Future Problems

Wisdom teeth extraction involves removing one or more of the teeth of the third set of molars. This can be performed before the tooth erupts, after the tooth has grown in, or if the tooth becomes impacted, i.e., it has only partially erupted from the gums. Extraction may be recommended for a variety of reasons.

Dental problems extraction can prevent

If the wisdom teeth are currently causing problems in the mouth, extraction is necessary. However, a dentist may recommend preventive wisdom teeth extraction when the patient is asymptomatic. Third molars that are not causing problems now may have the potential to do so in the future. Extracting the teeth pre-emptively can help prevent issues such as the following from ever developing.

Tooth decay

The wisdom teeth are located in the very back of the mouth where it is difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. Therefore, keeping them clean can be difficult. If these teeth are not cleaned properly, cavities and decay may develop. The risk is still greater if the teeth are only partially erupted, because cleaning becomes even more difficult.

Infection

When a tooth is decayed, it provides a route by which bacteria may reach the inner layers. Once there, the bacteria can cause an infection of the tooth or the tissues that surround it. For example, when the wisdom tooth only erupts partially, it can develop an operculum, which is soft tissue growth over the top of it. The operculum is vulnerable to bacteria getting trapped underneath it, resulting in an infection called pericoronitis.

Once there is an infection of the wisdom tooth or surrounding tissues, it can spread throughout the mouth. It can even extend beyond the mouth to affect other parts of the body if the bacteria get into the bloodstream.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the mouth for new teeth to emerge, so the new tooth tries to push the existing teeth out of the way. This can affect the alignment of the existing teeth, causing them to become crooked and potentially affecting the bite. This may require orthodontics to correct or interfere with a course of orthodontics that is already in progress. The pressure from the new tooth can also cause damage to the others.

Cysts or tumors

An impacted wisdom tooth can form a cyst, which is a sac within the jawbone that fills with fluid. It can also develop a tumor. It is rare for these tumors to be cancerous, but both benign tumors and cysts of the wisdom tooth can damage the teeth, nerves, and even the jawbone itself. If a cyst or tumor develops, it may be necessary to remove bone and other tissue to resolve the issue.

Pain

Pain from an impacted wisdom tooth can be excruciating. It may be better to have the wisdom teeth extraction performed when the patient is not experiencing any symptoms than to wait until there is serious discomfort.