Wisdom teeth are one of those strange parts of human anatomy that no longer make sense. Even though our predecessors required their wisdom teeth, we don’t need them so much. In the past, these third molars served a similar purpose to spare tires, allowing people to have enough teeth to chew up their food even if they lost a couple.
Today, modern diet and advances in dental hygiene have made wisdom teeth pretty much useless, and we don’t really need them anymore. This is why wisdom tooth extraction in West Edmonton is so popular. But do wisdom teeth always have to be removed? The main problem with wisdom teeth is that as we have evolved, our jaws have shrunk. As a result, most individuals do not have enough space for them, leading to wisdom teeth causing pain and risk of damage to overall oral health. Here’s what you should know about why and when wisdom teeth should be extracted.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Develop?
Wisdom teeth begin to grow between the ages of 7 to 10, but they don’t emerge until much later in life. Typically, wisdom teeth begin to appear above the gum line around the ages of 17 to 21. Our dentist near you will monitor their development to determine if and when they need extraction. Most of the time, individuals undergo wisdom tooth extraction around the age of 18 to 24.
When is Extraction Necessary?
Some fortunate people will have their wisdom teeth erupt without causing any problems. However, since most people don’t have space for wisdom teeth, they tend to grow sideways or crooked. This creates pressure on your remaining teeth, causing them to contour and shift. While not all people will have problems with their wisdom teeth, about 85% of individuals will. Not having enough space in the gum for wisdom teeth can lead to wisdom teeth being unable to erupt from the gums, causing them to become “impacted.” Impacted wisdom teeth come with various problems, including bacterial growth, infection, and cysts. Due to this, our dentist will often recommend wisdom tooth extraction near you when the time is right.
What is the Issue with Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When wisdom teeth only partially erupt or do not erupt at all, they become impacted. These teeth cannot finish erupting in an upright position. They can move completely sideways or tilt forward. This places pressure on your surrounding teeth, causing pain and misalignment. Since your tooth remains beneath your gums, for the most part, it creates an ideal space for bacteria to grow, leading to abscesses, infections, and cysts. Serious infections can be fatal if not addressed by our dentist in West Edmonton.
When Can Wisdom Teeth Remain in the Mouth?
If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, are healthy, and are correctly positioned, you may not need extraction. However, it is important to monitor their development with our dentist at Aldergrove Dental Clinic to ensure that there are no issues that you haven’t spotted on your own.
If you require wisdom tooth extraction, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with our team of dedicated dental professionals at Aldergrove Dental Clinic; we will look at all your symptoms and specific circumstances before making a recommendation. If you would like to learn more about wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today!
