Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically grow in between the ages of 17-25. They aren’t always functional and can grow in at an angle, crowding your mouth and creating future oral health problems.
Positioned at the back of the mouth, most people develop 4, but it is not uncommon to have 1-3 wisdom teeth or even none at all.
In general people have their wisdom teeth removed because they simply don’t have room to erupt properly without becoming impacted or shifting adjacent teeth.
Some dentists may encourage older teens and young adults to have their wisdom teeth removed even if they are not experiencing issues.
Extraction may be recommended if the tooth doesn’t have a biting partner on the opposite arch, or if the tooth is challenging to brush and floss, making it more susceptible to decay.
When to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The best way of having your wisdom teeth monitored is to have regular hygiene visits at our GlenHuntly Dental Clinic. Using X-rays our dentist can determine if your wisdom tooth pain symptoms are caused by your wisdom teeth erupting and what the next steps may be.
The extraction of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure. Depending on the complexity of your surgery your dentist will either use local anaesthesia or general sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. Once the site is numb the extraction begins.
Common signs your wisdom teeth need to be removed
If you begin to notice any of the following symptoms, it could mean that it’s time for your wisdom teeth to be extracted.
Pain around your molars
Pain is often the first indicator that it’s time to come and visit us for a dental appointment. Often the pain isn’t unbearable, only a dull ache in the back of the jaw. You might find this underlying pain is exasperated when you chew tough foods.
Headaches, Sinus pain, nasal congestion
Many of us would never contemplate that our wisdom teeth might affect our sinuses. Our upper wisdom teeth, however, have deep roots that can push against your sinuses. As these roots grow, they cause pressure and discomfort. Sometimes you might not feel any sinus pain but experience nasal congestion and headaches.
Cysts around your teeth
Another sign that it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth are cysts forming in the gums around the teeth.
Cavities in your molars
Wisdom tooth decay is a very common issue. During your regular dental check up at our GlenHuntly Dental clinic we may advise removing useless wisdom teeth to avoid causing cavities.
Regular Checkups
If you are worried about your wisdom teeth and think it might be time for them to come out; schedule an appointment at GDC clinic, and we will give you all the pros and cons.