My wisdom teeth are coming in. How will I know if they need to be removed? If they are correctly positioned in your mouth and do not cause any pain or dental problems, then it isn’t necessary. If they are impacted and/or cause crowding in your teeth, a dentist will recommend that you have them removed.
Wisdom teeth are your third molars. Our jaws don’t grow to be big enough to have enough room for wisdom teeth to come in. The lack of room causes them to come in at an angle or not fully emerge, which causes problems for the rest of the mouth. To determine if you have room for them, put your finger behind any second molar. If you feel a flat space, without any tissue curving upwards, then you may have enough room!
Impacted wisdom teeth typically remain below the surface of your gum line and lie horizontally instead of upright, usually because there isn’t enough room for them to grow. Sometimes they grow out sideways and towards another tooth. It isn’t recommended that you keep a tooth that comes out slightly because it allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Cavities can develop and a larger infection can occur affecting more than just your teeth. They can collide with the roots of your molars which can be very painful. Also, while your impacted wisdom tooth is trying to erupt, it can wear down the adjacent tooth and create several other dental issues.
How old should you be when you remove your wisdom teeth? It can be done at a young age or in adulthood. Teeth grow from the crown down to the root, so it is better to remove the teeth before the roots develop fully. The removal and healing process will be easier. New Town Dentistry can help you decide what is best for you.
