Many people still do not understand the difference between regular teeth and wisdom teeth. Normal teeth are the set of teeth that grow into place after losing baby teeth. Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that sometimes emerge at the very end of the row of teeth, both sides top and bottom. This extra set of four teeth need to be extracted to prevent problems that may develop. However, when it comes to extractions, the normal teeth do not need to be pulled out unless the teeth or tooth can no longer be saved with treatment.
Wisdom teeth removal and extraction is necessary for patients when their jaw and normal teeth are experiencing health issues. The extraction is even done to prevent issues from developing too. Problems that may occur with wisdom teeth, include misdirection growth, trapped germs and food dislodged in gums, infection and the jaw may not be large enough to support them. To treat or avoid these developments from occurring, Dr. Tin helps the patient understand the process and importance of wisdom teeth removal and extraction.
Normal tooth extractions resolve other issues that are disrupting a patient’s dental hygiene. Tooth extractions are necessary to treat decay that reached deep in the tooth, infection has damaged a large part of the tooth and the bone, or the existing teeth may not have enough room in the mouth. There are even patients that have more teeth growing in behind the already existing tooth, to avoid root damage or infection to the other teeth an extraction will be performed.
According to wisdom tooth extraction is done to remove teeth that cause pain or that may cause infection and dental problems. Impacted teeth may not reveal any signs of pain or danger to the patient, but there may be future infections or pain that take place beneath the gums and result into serious dental problems. Even if wisdom teeth emerge correctly without any disruption to the gums, they may be forcing their presence in line next to the other teeth and that can cause the teeth to shift. Shifting teeth will make the patient feel the need to wear corrective braces to realign their shifted teeth.
Unlike normal teeth, wisdom teeth need to be surgically cut out of the patient’s mouth. The treated areas will be numbed with a local anesthetic to avoid the feeling of pain and discomfort. The dentist will then make incisions in the gums to remove the hidden teeth and pull out any emerged wisdom teeth.
Removing normal teeth is necessary for decayed teeth or for teeth that are no longer responding to treatment. The extraction will keep infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
What are the benefits of wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth usually do not serve a purpose in a person’s mouth. Everyone has 32 teeth already, an extra four will just make it more difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy. Benefits of having your wisdom teeth pulled are:
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Alignment of other teeth does not get disturbed
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Existing teeth will not be crowded on a small jaw
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Tooth decay, excess plaque and pain will be avoided
When do I need to see a dentist?
If the patient experiences pain, discomfort or swelling in the back gums, they need to ask a dentist if their wisdom teeth are related to these effects. Usually most problems develop in people between 15 and 25 years old.
Most dentists and oral surgeons believe that patients should have their wisdoms removed before the age of 20, because the roots and gums are not fully developed and softer. As the body gets older, the bones and roots in the teeth grow and get hard. The older the patient, the longer it may take for them to heal after the wisdoms are removed.
Ask Dr. Tin at EastLake Dentistry if you should have your wisdom teeth removed. Impacted teeth will start to cause health concerns and can push your existing teeth out of alignment. Normal tooth extractions are only necessary for teeth that are decayed or no longer responding to dental care. Give the rest of your teeth a chance to avoid failure by keeping them healthy. Save your mouth from potential damage and get your wisdom teeth extracted.
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