Will My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, but a majority of people can benefit from this procedure. In order to determine if removing your wisdom teeth will be necessary, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth. Performing a visual inspection of your smile, and reviewing x-rays, can help your dentist determine whether or not your wisdom teeth are likely to cause damage.
The potential problems caused by wisdom teeth include (but are not limited to):
- Damaging neighboring teeth. As your wisdom teeth push forward, they may collide with other teeth or shift them out of position. This can cause (among other things) pain, tooth fractures, and bite issues.
- Misalignment. Misaligned teeth can contribute to discomfort and difficulty cleaning that can only be corrected with tooth removal and/or orthodontics.
- Irritated gums. Emerging wisdom teeth can affect the gums negatively, resulting in inflammation. Inflamed gums may pull away from the teeth and form harmful pockets that are difficult to keep clean.
- Cysts. Wisdom teeth can cause painful, fluid-filled sacs to form that can be very dangerous if not treated, potentially resulting in nerve damage or a hollowing out of the jaw bone.
- Cavities. Pockets between the teeth and gums can increase the risk of cavities. Teeth that are not well-aligned can also be more difficult to clean in general, increasing a person’s risk for tooth decay.
At What Age Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Though the most common ages are between 17-25, candidacy for wisdom teeth removal in Woodland Hills will vary depending on the individual’s unique dental characteristics. A dentist may recommend removal for a patient as young as 14 or as old as 30. If a person has made it to 35 with no dental problems caused by their wisdom teeth, it’s almost guaranteed they will never have to be removed.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are unable to break through to the surface due to space issues, they may become impacted below the surface. Stuck below other teeth, bone, and tissue, impacted teeth can assume many different positions: horizontal, vertical, or somewhere in between. Depending on the angle and depth of the wisdom teeth, the procedure to remove them will be more or less complex.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Woodland Hills
Our dental office is staffed by dental care professionals who will work hard to make the extraction process as easy as possible. If you’re in the age range for wisdom teeth removal in Woodland Hills or are the parent of someone who is, contact us today to book a dental exam.
