Wisdom About Your Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

As you age, you may find yourself growing wisdom teeth. This is a dental milestone that usually happens between the ages of 17 and 21. It is not rare for people to have as little as one wisdom tooth but most people have four located in the back of the mouth. These third molars are the widest and toughest teeth that help you grind food. 

Wisdom teeth can lead to problems if there is not enough space for them to come in or if they come in at the wrong position. When wisdom teeth grow incorrectly they can get impacted in the jawbone or erupt at an angle. If your dentist says your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they are trapped in your jaw or under your gums which can cause several severe dental issues.

When Are Wisdom Teeth Extractions Recommended?

Only a dentist can tell you whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. Generally, you do not have to remove your wisdom teeth if they are not causing any dental trouble. Keep in mind that wisdom teeth that are not removed should continue to be monitored because the potential for developing future dental problems still exists. If at any point they begin to bother you, you can still choose removal. 

Be sure to, practice a good oral health routine and particularly floss around your wisdom teeth because bacteria can grow around them and cause tooth decay. Visiting your dentist regularly is also crucial to all your teeth. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to evaluate your wisdom teeth and your overall dental health. Any dental problem related to your wisdom teeth can be detected even before symptoms arise. 

If you are dealing with wisdom teeth that are coming in incorrectly, you are likely experiencing a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Those can include everything from pain and swelling to difficulty opening your mouth. In some cases, wisdom teeth can even cause permanent damage to the surrounding teeth. When your oral health is at risk Dr. Hamidy recommends that you have your wisdom teeth removed. 

What Should You Expect During A Tooth Extraction?

While at La Jolla Dental Image in La Jolla, CA we want to avoid the need to remove a tooth whenever possible. However, certain conditions such as cysts, overcrowding, and damage to the jawbone may make tooth extraction the most effective option for keeping your smile healthy. Our dentist and team use great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction to ensure that your experience is as comfortable and painless as possible. 

We will also provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions so that you can properly take care of your smile as it heals. Following the tooth extraction, we are happy to provide you with one of our excellent tooth replacement treatments including dental implants, bridges, crowns, Invisalign, and dentures to restore your smile to optimal health, beauty and function. 

If you are unsure if your wisdom teeth need to be removed you can always ask us questions. Dr. Hamidy will carefully evaluate your smile, including the positioning of your teeth and wisdom teeth, to determine whether your smile would benefit from wisdom teeth removal. We have  more than 15 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, restorative treatments, gum therapy, orthodontics, implant services, and many more treatments that will leave you with the best smile. For more information on teeth extractions or any of our other dental treatments call 858-202-0481 to speak with our experts.