Not everyone needs their extracted. Yet, about 85% of Americans will need wisdom tooth extraction at some point during their lives. Our dentist monitors wisdom teeth as they form in your jaw at around age 10.
We then track the trajectory of wisdom teeth to determine if they need extraction. Continue reading to learn how our wisdom teeth removal dentist protects oral health.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are third molars that erupt during your late teens to early twenties. In general, wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
Does Everybody Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Removing early can help you avoid health issues, such as crowding. Often, there isn’t enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can also come in crooked and get stuck behind other teeth. In either situation, our emergency dentist would recommend extracting impacted wisdom teeth.
Keep in mind that not all patients need wisdom teeth removal. In fact, wisdom teeth don’t need extraction if they’re coming in straight and there’s enough room in the jaw. Each patient is different. This is why it’s important you see our wisdom tooth removal dentist as soon as possible. That way, Dr. Lebster will be able to come up with the best treatment plan.
Tooth Decay
Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. If your wisdom teeth come in crooked, they’ll push other teeth out of the way to make room in the jaw. Once this happens, it’ll be harder to brush and floss overlapping teeth.
Plaque loves to eat sugar left behind on teeth and gums. After it eats sugar, plaque produces an acid that erodes tooth enamel. Plaque will also harden into tartar over time, which you won’t be able to remove at home. Only a dental hygienist or dentist can remove tartar. If left untreated, tartar buildup increases your risk of cavities and gingivitis.
Crooked, Crowded Teeth
Crooked wisdom teeth push other teeth out of the way as they erupt, undoing years of orthodontics. You spent a lot of money straightening your teeth with braces or aligners. Don’t drop the ball now. Listen to our emergency dentist if he recommends wisdom teeth removal. You can trust him to have your best interests in mind.
Infections
Often, impacted wisdom teeth can get stuck behind other teeth. When this happens, the tooth may only come through the gums a little before getting stuck. This creates perfect conditions for a bacterial infection called pericoronitis. Pericoronitis happens when the gums surrounding impacted wisdom teeth get swollen and infected.
Our wisdom teeth removal dentist will keep track of your wisdom teeth as you get older. That way, you won’t have to deal with surprise wisdom tooth pain a few years from now. This is just one of the many ways our wisdom teeth removal dentist looks out for you.
Call RediDental Emergency Dental Care
Don’t ignore wisdom tooth pain! Our wisdom teeth removal dentist in Holland, MI is ready to help you restore your oral health. To request an appointment, call RediDental Emergency Dental Care at (616) 796-3200.
