When is Wisdom Tooth Removal Recommended?

Wisdom tooth removal is not a procedure that anyone looks forward to; however, it is often necessary in order to maintain optimal oral health. Oftentimes, without the procedure, the results are pain, infection, and challenges with eating. Because of the risk, dental professionals almost always prefer to perform a wisdom tooth removal. Read on to find out when specifically removal is recommended. 

Signs that wisdom tooth removal is needed

Below is a quick overview of when it is recommended to have wisdom teeth removed. This information may be helpful for parents to review when preparing their children for what may come in the future.

Impaction

When wisdom teeth erupt, they do not always become impacted; however, in the event that they do, the result is negative. Impaction means that the wisdom tooth becomes stuck behind the already existing tooth. When stuck, the wisdom tooth has nowhere to go, which can lead to a number of problems with oral health. As soon as there are any signs of impaction, it is be recommended to undergo wisdom tooth removal. 

Pain

An obvious sign that wisdom tooth removal is recommended is when the patient is experiencing any type of pain. Sometimes, when a wisdom tooth erupts, it is not noticed until it is already protruding through the gums, which can be painful. Additionally, if eruption takes place behind another tooth, such as an existing adult tooth, the shift can cause discomfort. Both scenarios are typically uncomfortable and require immediate attention, which in this case, would be wisdom tooth removal. 

Crowding

When a wisdom tooth erupts, it often pushes the already existing tooth out of its position and causes a serious shift. From there, the other surrounding teeth can also be forced to shift, which leads to crowding. When the teeth crowd, oral health is put at risk as it is much more challenging to perform oral hygiene. Additionally, there becomes a need for orthodontic attention, which is time-consuming and costly. 

Infection

An obvious sign that wisdom tooth removal is recommended is when an infection is present. When the wisdom teeth erupt, the process is not necessarily natural or predictable. Because of this, it is impossible for the already existing, adult teeth or gums to be appropriately prepared. The lack of preparation often leads to an infection in the gums or teeth, which can be dangerous to oral health. To stop the infection, wisdom tooth removal may be required. 

Find out more

Wisdom tooth removal is not always needed; however, when any of the signs listed above are discovered, it is best to undergo a consultation. The consultation gives the dental professional an opportunity to evaluate the patient's teeth, gums, and entire oral cavity. From there, the course of action can be determined, which may or may not be a wisdom tooth removal. To learn more about the procedure or to get scheduled for a consultation appointment, reach out today. 

Request an appointment here: https://spectrumsurgical.net or call Facial Spectrum at (816) 524-4334 for an appointment in our Lee's Summit office. 

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Lee's Summit, MO.

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