Why does my dentist want me to remove my wisdom teeth?

Dentists often want to remove impacted wisdom teeth because of the likelihood that they will cause problems, or because a problem already exists. One such problem is pericoronitis, an acute abscess that affects partially impacted wisdom teeth.

Are fully erupted wisdom teeth easier to remove?

A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted through the gum can be extracted as easily as any other tooth.

Why don t dentists let you keep your wisdom teeth?

These teeth are buried, either partially or completely, in the soft tissue or jaw bone, and are more susceptible to disease and other problems. The problem is you can’t clean impacted wisdom teeth properly, so they can start to decay, and you can develop gum disease.

Which day is most painful wisdom teeth?

The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. The second day following surgery is usually the worst day for swelling. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur call my office for instructions. There will be a cavity where the tooth was removed.

Is it illegal to keep your wisdom teeth?

Many patients are under the impression that it’s illegal to keep extracted teeth. While every dentist will have his or her own preferences, there are no federal laws or regulations that prohibit or discourage it.

Should I have my wisdom teeth taken out?

Your dentist says you need to have your wisdom teeth taken out. But they don’t hurt, you say, so why remove them? These days, oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth is a standard practice — almost a rite of passage for young adults. It’s not always necessary, though.

What happens when your wisdom teeth are impacted?

Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form. Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding of other teeth and even make treatment to straighten other teeth necessary.

Can wisdom teeth erupt horizontally?

Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. Problems can include wisdom teeth that: Remain completely hidden within the gums. If they aren’t able to emerge normally, wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) within your jaw.

Why do my wisdom teeth hurt?

Still, just because your wisdom teeth aren’t a source of pain doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong. The teeth could be stuck, or impacted. That means they can’t break through your jaw and into your mouth. Maybe your mouth is too small to make room for them, or the teeth could be growing at an angle to other teeth.