There are many reasons why your oral surgeon or dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. Some of these are as follows:
Alignment
It's not uncommon for wisdom teeth to align correctly within the mouth while the surrounding gum tissue remains healthy. In such circumstances, there's no necessity to remove these wisdom teeth. However, this is rare.
Insufficient Space
Most individuals face a lack of sufficient room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt and align properly. This limitation in space can force wisdom teeth to adopt unfavorable positions. They may be pushed sideways, emerge partially from the gum, or in some cases, remain entirely trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Fully Erupted Wisdom Teeth
Even when wisdom teeth manage to erupt fully, they often lead to crowding of the adjacent teeth. This crowding makes it incredibly challenging to maintain satisfactory oral hygiene. Difficulty in brushing and flossing these areas can lead to plaque build-up and potentially cause decay or gum disease.
Preventing Future Problems
In all these scenarios, wisdom teeth pose more harm than benefit. The best course of action to prevent further complications is usually extraction. Cleaning wisdom teeth eliminates the risk of crowding, infection, and potential pathology.
If you're experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Martin or Dr. Appelblatt at Tahoe Oral Surgery. They can provide the appropriate advice based on your circumstances, ensuring optimal oral health.