Around 85% of all adults in America have their wisdom teeth extracted. The modern process of wisdom teeth extractions is simple, minimally-invasive and fairly commonplace these days. However, there are people who don’t need their wisdom teeth removed at all! Are you one of the lucky few? Around 85% of all adults in America have their wisdom teeth extracted. The modern process of wisdom teeth extractions is simple, minimally-invasive and fairly commonplace these days. However, there are people who don’t need their wisdom teeth removed at all! Are you one of the lucky few?
The team at Brett Blacher, DDS discusses the basics of wisdom teeth and their function, as well as the reasons you may (or may not) need them to be removed.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Usually Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, and they typically erupt after the age of 18. While the eruption of wisdom teeth is totally natural, it can have some negative effects.
This is because wisdom teeth usually don’t erupt correctly. Often, wisdom teeth are misaligned during eruption, which can lead to the shifting of your existing teeth, impaction, and a variety of other painful and dangerous oral health issues.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed
If your wisdom teeth are coming in, watch out for these signs and symptoms to see if your wisdom teeth need to be removed: Pain or stiffness near the rear of the mouth or jawIrritation from a tooth that continually rubs against your tongue, cheek, or another part of your mouthInfected/swollen gum tissue in the rear of your mouthCrowding or obvious shifting of other teeth
If you experience these symptoms, come to Brett Blacher, DDS. We’ll X-ray your mouth, and assess whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Reasons You May Not Require Wisdom Teeth Removal
Around 10-15% of people don’t require wisdom tooth removal. Instances include:
Your wisdom teeth grow in correctly – If your wisdom teeth grow in correctly, straight, and without infection or other issues, you may be able to keep them. Consult with your dentist to find out.
- Your wisdom teeth fully erupt – Partial eruption of wisdom teeth is one of the main reasons they’re removed. Partial eruption tends to cause infection and tooth decay, as you can’t properly clean your tooth. If your tooth erupts normally and fully, you may be able to keep it.
- Your mouth has enough space to accommodate new teeth without damage – Even when wisdom teeth grow in correctly, they may shift your other teeth and damage them. However, if your mouth has the space to accommodate your third set of molars, it’s not a problem.
- You don’t have wisdom teeth – While it’s rare, a small percentage of people don’t have 1 to 3 of their wisdom teeth, with an even smaller percentage of people lacking all four. A simple X-ray can help Dr. Blacher figure out whether you’re missing one or more of your wisdom teeth.
Wondering Whether Or Not You Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted? Contact Dr. Brett Blacher Today!
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, or are simply curious to find out if your wisdom teeth will require removal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brett Blacher in Lombard today. We can assess your situation and determine if tooth extractions are necessary.
In our lakeside facility, Dr. Blacher can offer an expert recommendation, sedation dentistry options, and an effective treatment plan. Call us today at (630) 916-0701, or visit our office at 450 E. 22nd St., Suite 201, Lombard, IL 60148!
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