The third molars were helpful for our early ancestors who had larger jawbones. However, in modern times, “wisdom teeth” tend to do more harm than good. Many people don’t have mouths big enough to accommodate them. That’s why it is often recommended to have them extracted in late adolescence or early adulthood. Here are some of the most common problems that impacted wisdom teeth can cause.
Discomfort
The most common symptom is pain. This can occur in pretty much any situation where the wisdom teeth don’t fit properly in the mouth. Since there often isn’t enough room for these teeth, they tend to grow and shift in different directions, putting pressure on other areas of the mouth and resulting in discomfort. No two people’s experiences are exactly the same. Some may feel a dull throb while others feel a sharper pain. In either situation, discomfort means that something isn’t right.
Increased Risk of Infection
Even before you notice an issue, there could be one starting. After all, the mouth is home to over 700 different types of bacteria! As soon as the wisdom teeth erupt from the gums, they become exposed to these bacteria. That’s why it’s so important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine with frequent brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. However, it can be difficult to thoroughly clean wisdom teeth because of their positioning in the mouth. Food can become trapped, leading to bacterial growth and ultimately, infection!
Cysts
If your wisdom teeth aren’t fully erupted, you could develop cysts. This happens when fluid forms in a sac around the erupting tooth. These sacs are usually benign, but they can put pressure on the neighboring teeth, bones, and gums, resulting in serious health issues.
Damage to Nearby Teeth
If you already have a healthy smile, you can leave it up to wisdom teeth to wreak havoc. This is because wisdom teeth often grow crookedly. This can cause multiple types of damage to the surrounding teeth, especially when they push out into the roots of neighboring healthy teeth. The wisdom teeth can push your existing teeth out of alignment, causing you to need additional treatment in the future.
Wisdom teeth can do a lot of harm if left unchecked, so it’s always best to get your dentist’s opinion on whether it’s necessary to have them removed. This way, you can keep your smile in good health for many years to come!
About the Practice
At Dental Center of Aspen Hill, we have a team of four skilled dentists happily servicing patients. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. The entire wisdom teeth removal process can be completed in-house! To learn more about wisdom teeth removal or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (301) 871-8000.