No one wants to hear that they need to have a tooth pulled, which is why dentists only recommend tooth extraction under the most necessary circumstances. Often, patients are encouraged to have their wisdom teeth removed, even if they aren’t creating problems at the moment. If these extra molars aren’t giving you any issues, here’s why they might need to be extracted.

Why Dentists Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Prevent Crowding

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. If they erupt without any issues and haven’t led to any issues with surrounding teeth, they may not need to be removed. However, these stubborn teeth often fail to erupt fully, and even when they do, they can crowd the surrounding teeth.

This causes overlaps that aren’t only cosmetic concerns but also create tight spaces where toothbrushes and floss can’t reach. Removing them gives the other teeth ample space to stay in their rightful places.

2. Avoid Potential Infections

When wisdom teeth stay impacted beneath the gumline or emerge only slightly, they can irritate the gums and lead to dental issues like cysts and infections. For instance, partial or full impaction could cause ongoing infections of the soft tissue. These painful conditions could spread if left unaddressed, and rarely, impacted wisdom teeth could even cause tumors. Wisdom tooth extraction is a wise preventative measure for any teeth that have not fully emerged.

3. Reduce Risk of Decay & Disease

Third molars are found at the far recesses of the mouth, so they’re difficult to reach with floss and a toothbrush. As such, they can easily harbor leftover food particles and bacteria. Like any tooth, enamel in the wisdom teeth is susceptible to decay.

Since they’re more likely to experience cavities than more accessible teeth, they may ultimately wind up needing work anyway, which is why many patients agree it’s easier to have them removed. Plus, harboring plaque and tartar could create gum issues such as gingivitis, which may also be prevented through extraction.

Whether you think you’re a candidate for a tooth extraction or you’re simply due for a cleaning, Sizemore Family Dentistry is your leading source for quality dental care in Greenbrier County, WV. Offering comprehensive routine care as well as emergency dentistry, this practice creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for both returning and new patients. Find out more about their approach to extractions online, and call (304) 536-3304 to schedule an appointment.