If your dentist says your wisdom teeth need to be extracted, you may be a little anxious. While it’s okay to feel on edge before any procedure, learning about the treatment may calm your nerves.

Dental care professionals often recommend extraction if your wisdom teeth are growing in improperly. Most of the time, the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate these teeth.

Here are just three benefits of opting for wisdom tooth extraction:

• Improve Bite: If your teeth aren’t properly aligned, they can disrupt the consistency of your bite and cause discomfort when you move your jaw. The removal of your wisdom teeth will eliminate crowding issues and improve the alignment of your teeth.
• Prevent Decay: Because they are located behind your molars, wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean. If you don’t schedule an extraction, food particles can get trapped below the gumline and spur infection or decay, along with swelling and pain.
• Avoid Cysts: A cyst can develop when impacted wisdom teeth create a fluid-filled sac inside the jawbone. The cyst will result in significant pain, damaging the jawbone and nearby teeth.

Most of the time, dentists suggest wisdom tooth extraction at a young age. Why? Mature wisdom teeth have longer roots and may be more challenging to remove. Additionally, postponing the procedure allows problems to linger and worsen over time. Recovery may also be slower and more complicated.

Just because wisdom teeth are responsible for some of these problems doesn’t mean everyone will deal with them. In some cases, it’s not necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. If they grow in normally, are properly aligned, and don’t appear to cause health concerns, your dentist may advise against removal. All cases are unique, so turn to a professional whenever tooth extraction is a possibility.

Pfeiffer Family Dentistry is the leading dental care office in Fort Thomas, KY. Turn to them for all of your oral care needs, whether you’re concerned about a possible wisdom tooth extraction or just want to schedule a cleaning. Visit the website to learn more, or call (859) 441-1900 today.