Around 85% of the population have to have their wisdom teeth removed. Today our jaws are smaller than our ancestors jaws and lack the necessary space for our wisdom teeth to be fully erupted into healthy functional positions. Some patients are able to keep their wisdom teeth if they are fully erupted, cavity free, have healthy surrounding bone and tissue, and are correctly positioned. However, for most patients wisdom teeth will cause issues, which is why removing them is necessary and is now standard practice.
Below are are some reasons you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
• Wisdom teeth may grow horizontally, upside down, tipped too far forward or tipped too far backward. Frequently they are tipped too far forward and positioned deep under the back of your second molars which often leads to hidden decay on the back of your second molars.
• Your wisdom teeth are often partially impacted and the separation between your wisdom teeth and your gums creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which dramatically increases the risk of infection. This infection often becomes chronic and slowly erodes through your jaw bone.
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean and attract bacteria. This often leads to halitosis (bad breath)
• If there isn’t enough room, wisdom teeth will push and crowd the other teeth in your mouth. When they go through the eruption phase, they try to enter an already crowded area. With little room to move into, neighboring teeth are often pushed aside. Wisdom teeth can completely unravel years of orthodontics and dental work.
• As you get older, your jaw bone becomes harder. The older you are, the tougher the procedure, the slower your healing and the tougher your recovery.
• Cysts or tumors can form around your wisdom teeth, which can cause damage to your teeth, jaws, and/or nerves.
Schedule your consultation to have your wisdom teeth removed today. (206) 561-2345
