Just about everyone gets wisdom teeth. These are the molars at the very back of your mouth. They come in last, generally somewhere around the ages of 17 and 21. The wisdom teeth are also frequently removed. This is because they often become impacted, an issue that can cause many significant problems. If you are dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can help with wisdom tooth removal.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The most common reason why wisdom teeth are removed is that they are impacted. This simply means that they are incapable of fully erupting into their intended positions. There is no one cause of impacted wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth can become impacted for one of many reasons.

One common reason why wisdom teeth are removed is that they do not have the space in the jaw. They may not be growing correctly, which can lead to overcrowding issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontics because there is no more space left in the mouth. Cysts might have formed in the jaw, which can eventually lead to the destruction of bone and surrounding tooth roots. Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can cause problems with your sinus cavities. Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted may be plagued by cavities and the gum tissue surrounding them may become infected and inflamed.

How Do I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?

One of the best ways to know that you might need your wisdom teeth removed is that you are experiencing pain at the back of your mouth where these teeth are located. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling in the jawbone, gums, and face. You may find it difficult, and even painful, to eat or move your mouth at all. You may also notice infections at the back of your mouth, with symptoms such as pus or bad breath.

How Long Can I Wait to Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It is not wise to put off having wisdom teeth removed if they are found to be impacted. The longer you wait, the more severe the symptoms become, and the more danger your oral health is placed in. As your wisdom teeth continue to attempt to erupt, they can put pressure on your other teeth, which can lead to damage and overcrowding. If a cyst has developed, it can destroy the jawbone and harm the roots of your teeth. Moreover, the longer you wait, the more complicated the removal process becomes.

What if My Wisdom Teeth Aren’t Causing Me Any Problems?

If your wisdom teeth are not causing you any problems when they erupt, removal may not be necessary. There are plenty of people who live their entire lives with their wisdom teeth in their mouth. There are also some who simply do not ever get them. If you do get your wisdom teeth and they do start to cause problems later on, then removal may need to be done.

Why Do I Need an Oral Surgeon to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Removing the wisdom teeth should be done by an experienced oral surgeon. Often, the wisdom teeth are still buried below the gums, and a surgical extraction is needed to get them out. Even if they partially erupt, there may be complications that arise during the removal process. As oral surgeons, we are highly experienced in safely removing your wisdom teeth, ensuring your absolute safety during the procedure.

If you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it is time to schedule an appointment. Call Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 562-459-3311 today.