Wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended by dentists to prevent crooked or overcrowded teeth. Extraction of the third molars may also be necessary before orthodontic treatment begins, to ensure that there is enough room in the upper and lower jaw for teeth to properly shift.
Wisdom teeth extraction is not necessary for everyone, but for those whose jaw is not wide enough to support them, keeping the wisdom teeth can lead to various complications. This review discusses the various consequences of declining wisdom teeth extraction.
A long time ago, wisdom teeth served an important purpose for chewing and crushing food. However, as humans developed and learned how to soften food by cooking and cutting it, the third molars began to serve less of a purpose. As a result, the human jaw is not as wide as it once was, and wisdom teeth have less room to properly develop. Therefore, it is often best to have them removed before they cause complications, such as overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, oral infection, or general discomfort due to improper development.
Wisdom teeth do not typically make crooked or overcrowded teeth worse. However, it is possible for wisdom teeth that grow sideways in the jaw or become impacted to compromise the spacing in the jaw or put pressure on other teeth, which can lead to worsening issues of crooked or overcrowded teeth. It can also compromise the orthodontic process, which is why dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction before braces or clear aligners treatment.
Having wisdom teeth removed has several notable benefits. Removing the third molars creates more space inside the jaw. This enables more effective orthodontic treatment. It can also reduce the risk of an oral infection, especially if the wisdom teeth had become impacted before removal. Many patients report feeling less pressure in the area surrounding their wisdom teeth once they are removed.
Orthodontic care is the best way to address crooked or overcrowded teeth. However, wisdom teeth can affect orthodontic treatment, particularly if they are forcing the teeth to be overcrowded. In this instance, wisdom teeth removal is required before beginning orthodontic care. Otherwise, there may not be enough room inside the jaw for all the teeth and the jaw to shift properly into the proper alignment.
If you would like to find out if you can benefit from wisdom teeth extraction, get in touch with our office today. We can order dental X-rays, conduct an oral examination, and make a treatment recommendation. Our team can also help you through the wisdom teeth extraction process.
Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in New Albany, IN.
Tooth extraction isn’t generally that complex of a procedure unless we’re talking about wisdom tooth removal. While normal and even surgical extractions can be standard practice, having your wisdom teeth taken out can be a much more involved task for both you and your dentist, depending on the situation behind the removal. It is not…
Having wisdom teeth removal is a significant move for your dental health. This is a decision that can improve your dental health. After the procedure, healing and recovery follow. If you want to find out more about the healing and full recovery following wisdom teeth removal, here are the details.After the wisdom teeth removal, there…
For many patients, a wisdom tooth extraction is a necessary part of life. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Patients may experience pressure or pain during this process, and some patients have to see a dentist about it. Many people assume that everyone has to have…
If you have an upcoming appointment for a wisdom tooth extraction, it is helpful to understand what to expect. The more you know about the process, the more at ease you can feel about it. Recovering from the surgery is not always easy, but you can manage the pain and discomfort if you follow some…
Dentures are a well-known option for replacing missing teeth that are often given a bad reputation in their reliability. We have all watched the childhood film, where the elderly character has their dentures fall out of their mouth at the dinner table. While this exaggerated age-old misconception is based on legitimate concerns of denture wearing,…
There are several options for replacing missing teeth, and the treatment that is best for you will depend on factors like lifestyle, budget, and dental health. A professional dentist can help you determine what option is appropriate for you.Options for replacing missing teeth include:Tooth-supported or implant-supported bridgesPartial or complete denturesDental implantsThese options for replacing missing…