For many people, wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage. In many cases, there isn’t enough room for them to emerge, and this can cause a number of problems. If you’re putting off removal because you don’t feel it’s needed, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of postponing this operation. Below are three important reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed if they aren’t coming in correctly.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Pain

It can be painful when teeth erupt, and this is especially true with wisdom teeth. They’re larger than any other in your mouth and are trying to squeeze into a space that’s too small. If they come in crooked, they can cut your tongue and cheek, and the pain may even resonate to your jaw or temple. Wisdom teeth removal is a common outpatient procedure that can usually be completed in under an hour. It’s painless and will lead to better oral health.

2. Shifting

As your wisdom teeth push into place, they’ll begin shifting your other teeth to make room. This can lead to serious alignment issues and tooth crowding. Wisdom teeth removal and orthodontic care are often the only ways to resolve these problems. These changes may impact how you speak and eat, which is why you should never delay tooth extractions.

3. Infection

Many wisdom teeth leave open wounds as they try to push in. Decay-causing bacteria can freely enter the bloodstream and may also damage gum tissue. This can lead to gum disease and other harmful side effects. If wisdom teeth become decayed, they can spread the problem to other teeth.

Whether you need to schedule wisdom teeth removal or just a checkup, All Smiles Harrisonburg can assist. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, this practice welcomes patients of every age and offers a variety of services ranging from oral surgery to cosmetic dentistry enhancements. They’re proud to provide sedation and sleep dentistry solutions and will work with you to ensure you achieve your optimal smile. Call (540) 432-1300 to schedule a checkup. Follow them on Facebook for more oral care tips, and explore their practice further on their website.