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What are wisdom teeth and when do they need to be removed?

Have you recently visited the dentist, and they mentioned that you should consider scheduling another visit soon to get your wisdom teeth removed even though they do not hurt? Wisdom teeth removal has become a standard practice for young results. It should not concern you too much, but there are some things you should know before having them removed. In the article, we break down what you need to know about wisdom teeth, why they are removed, and when the best time is to do so.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are molars that come in at the back of your mouth. They're so-called because they usually come in when you're old enough to be wise (usually around 18-25 years old).

Wisdom teeth can be problematic for many people. They often grow at odd angles and can cause crowding, gum disease, and even impacted wisdom teeth. It can make it so that other teeth don't have room to erupt properly, which can cause tooth decay or gum disease. In some cases, wisdom teeth need to be taken out before they become fully grown to avoid this issue.

Why should you take out your wisdom teeth?

There are several reasons why you might need your wisdom teeth taken out:

Crowding - If you have too many teeth in your mouth already, then it's difficult for the dentist to work on your mouth. A crowded mouth means that you may not be able to easily brush all of your teeth or floss between them effectively.

Impacted Teeth - In rare cases, wisdom teeth will grow partially or even completely blocked by other teeth in front of them. It makes them painful as they try to emerge through bone and soft tissue and can increase your risk of infection significantly. Even if they haven't emerged, it is always to get ahead of the ball and take them out when you have reached the proper age.

When should you have your wisdom teeth removed?

If you're over 18 and have had your wisdom teeth for more than two years, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even impacted wisdom teeth that need to be surgically removed. If you think you might need to get them taken out, here's what you should know:

  • Wisdom teeth should be removed when they have fully erupted in the mouth and are no longer covered by gums. It usually happens between ages 18 and 25.
  • There are many options for removing wisdom teeth, including surgical extraction (where a surgeon removes them) or dental extraction (where a dentist removes them). Both methods are safe and effective ways to remove wisdom teeth.

Closing

You may not be able to see your dentist soon if you have other dental appointments scheduled first! Plan so that one visit is not wasted on another appointment. Be wise with your wisdom teeth, and consult your dentist on when you should have wisdom teeth removed. Everyone is different with their timeline on when they should take out their wisdom teeth. Feel free to call us with any questions or make an appointment.

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