The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final adult teeth to emerge. A majority of people get their wisdom teeth while in their late teens or early twenties and, in most cases, your dentist will advise you to have them removed proactively. Simply put, when they are left in place, your wisdom teeth can cause a number of long-term complications, making it prudent to seek wisdom teeth removal sooner rather than later.
At Riverbend Oral Surgery, we have performed countless wisdom teeth removal procedures for patients throughout the Chattanooga, TN community, and have a proven track record promoting patient comfort and safety. Before you join us for wisdom teeth removal, however, you may wonder what makes this procedure necessary.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Generally Recommended
The simple reality is that, for most patients, the jaw is simply too small for the wisdom teeth to fit. In other words, your wisdom teeth will emerge into a smile that is already too full, making it impossible for your wisdom teeth to erupt in a normal, healthy way.
With insufficient space in the smile, your wisdom teeth may cause crowding, pushing other healthy teeth closer together. Not only does this make it more difficult to chew and eat, but it can also make it harder to clean your teeth. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum infection, which can rapidly spread throughout your mouth.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Impaction?
Moreover, the wisdom teeth often enter the smile at an angle that causes them to become partially or fully trapped beneath the gums, bone tissue, or other teeth. This condition is known as impaction, and impacted wisdom teeth can cause still further oral health concerns:
- Impacted teeth bring an even greater risk of gum disease and tooth decay as food debris becomes trapped between the wisdom tooth and the impacting tissue.
- Impaction may also contribute to the development of oral cysts around the jawbone, which can prove quite painful.
- Impaction results in damage to adjacent teeth, which may require you to have them extracted and replaced.
- Generally, impacted teeth tend to create discomfort and sensitivity throughout your smile.
While these are all serious concerns, they can usually be avoided altogether by pursuing preemptive wisdom teeth removal from a skilled oral surgeon.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a safe, normal, mundane procedure that can potentially save you a lot of discomfort down the road. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal from Riverbend Oral Surgery in Chattanooga, TN.
