What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth & Why Should You Have Them Removed?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the time people are 17 and 25, but that doesn’t mean they are welcome. Because extra teeth can cause a long list of problems including bony impactions and infections, doctors recommend working with your dentist to determine whether or not they need to be extracted. Here is a little more information about impacted wisdom teeth and when to talk with your dentist.
Understanding Tooth Impaction
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Years ago, wisdom teeth were welcome in some cases because they allowed people to regain important molars that they may have lost along the way. However, because of the advent of modern dentistry and oral hygiene, less people need their set of third molars, making that extra set of teeth a disruption to the rest of the smile.
Although it is entirely possible for wisdom teeth to erupt without incident, many people are left with impacted wisdom teeth, which are teeth that have not fully erupted. Sometimes, the teeth don’t even emerge entirely from the jawbone or may be lodged tilted or sideways in the dental arch, causing an incredible amount of discomfort and pain.
When Should You Talk With Your Dentist?
The symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, or bleeding from the molar area, as well as an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Some people with impacted wisdom teeth also report chronic bad breath, since the area can become infected and prone to bacterial growth. Because healthy wisdom teeth can also cause problems like tooth crowding, talk with your dentist about the health of your wisdom teeth and whether they need to be extracted.
Knowing what to do with your wisdom teeth isn’t always easy, which is why you should make an appointment with Brian W. Charles, DMD in McCall, ID, today. In addition to carefully examining your smile to determine the cause of your symptoms, this experienced family dentist can also work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to reach your dental goals. To learn more about his practice, explore his website or call (208) 634-7653.
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