Why do so many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed? As it turns out, most don’t have enough room in their mouth to accommodate these “late bloomers,” so they often become impacted – meaning they get partially or fully trapped below the gumline. Dental impaction, in turn, can cause complications that put your oral health at risk. Here are three common reasons why wisdom teeth are extracted.
#1. Dentigerous Cysts
Dentigerous cysts are fluid-filled “bubbles” that can form where the dental root meets the crown of an impacted tooth. Not only does this cyst create painful pressure, but if it continues to grow, it can damage nearby nerves and bone and increase the risk of infection. It’s simply better to remove trouble-causing wisdom teeth and treat the cyst before long-term harm occurs.
#2. Damage
Like your other teeth, a wisdom tooth’s ultimate goal is to erupt above the gumline. If there’s no room for it, though, it will inevitably butt up against other teeth, potentially knocking them out of place or causing damage. A wisdom tooth that can’t erupt fully can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and, sometimes, infection. There have even been cases where an impacted wisdom tooth pushed back against the jawbone and risked causing a fracture.
#3. Sinus Issues
Impacted wisdom teeth along the upper jaw are close enough to the sinuses to exert extra pressure on them. When this happens, the sinuses can become inflamed, which leads to congestion. If you’ve been more sniffly than usual, it might not just be seasonal allergies!
Now, wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems. Some people are able to let theirs grow in without issue. But if there’s not enough room in your mouth to accommodate them, they can create serious oral health problems. In that case, it’s much better to have your emergency dentist carefully remove your troubled wisdom teeth!
About the Practice
Each of our four dental professionals at Villagio Family & Cosmetic Dental brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our practice. As such, we’re able to provide a comprehensive list of treatments, like wisdom tooth extraction, when you need it most. You won’t even need a referral; we can perform both simple and surgical extractions in-house. If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, contact our office at 281-395-2100 for a prompt exam and treatment.