3 Signs You Need to Have a Wisdom Tooth Removed

Wisdom teeth don't always cause problems. However, sometimes, you have to have one or more of these teeth extracted. When might your dentist recommend this kind of extraction?

1. You Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth 

Wisdom teeth sit right at the back of the mouth. They don't always develop or erupt in the same way as other teeth.

For example, wisdom teeth can be impacted. Here, the tooth never comes out through the gum. You can also have a partially impacted wisdom tooth. When this happens, the tooth does break through the gum but doesn't come down all the way.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems. For example, you might suffer from gum pain if you have an impacted tooth. The tooth can put constant pressure on the gum from the inside. If it sits too high in the gum, it might put pressure on your sinuses and make them hurt.

In these cases, your dentist might recommend an extraction. If your tooth is causing pain and shows no signs of erupting naturally, then it might be better to take it out.

2. You Have Regular Problems With the Tooth

Even if a wisdom tooth erupts, it might not come out straight. This is the last tooth at the back of a dental arch. It might not have enough room. So, it might come out at an angle.

You might find it harder to keep wisdom teeth clean. This is a difficult enough job if a tooth comes out completely and is straight. It's hard to brush effectively right at the back of your mouth. If the tooth is crooked or sits at an angle, then it can be hard to reach all of it with a toothbrush.

So, these teeth might develop problems with decay more easily. They might get infected. Or, cysts might grow around them. You'll have regular pain and will need regular treatments. It might simply be easier to remove the tooth.

3. You Have Crowding Problems

Wisdom teeth don't always have enough space to come through without a problem. They will, however, push their way through your gum anyway.

If a wisdom tooth comes through in too small a space, then it will put pressure on its adjacent teeth. They might start to move out of position. They might not sit straight and might turn crooked.

If this happens, your dentist might want to take out your wisdom tooth to create more space. The rest of your teeth will be able to sit straight and won't move.

To find out more, talk to your dentist.


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