Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth: Advice from Boise Dentists

This question has been asked many times and the answer really depends on each individual. The article below is very concise and informative on why some wisdom teeth are recommended for removal or “extraction”. As a general rule it is better to have the wisdom teeth removed at a younger age, late teens or early twenties, so that healing will take place more rapidly.

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
• There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
• A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

If you have any questions regarding your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to ask one of your local Boise dentists at Summit Dental Boise.

Source Cited: www.ada.org