Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, have a tendency to cause oral health problems. Wisdom teeth are some of the largest teeth in the mouth, and they have very long roots. When there is not adequate space for the wisdom teeth to develop, they can grow in sideways, become trapped beneath the gums (impacted), or develop infections and cysts in the tissue surrounding the teeth. Additionally, because they are located so far back in the mouth, it is easier for food and germs to accumulate around wisdom teeth and cause infections.
Below is a list of the oral health problems that wisdom teeth can cause:
- Tooth impaction
- Damage to the second molars
- Infections
- Cysts and tumors
- Dental crowding and alignment problems
- Dental pain and discomfort
How can I prevent these problems?
Most dental professionals recommend having regular dental exams, especially during the early teen years, to determine if your wisdom teeth require removal. This allows your dentist and oral surgeon to examine and remove your wisdom teeth before they start to cause problems.
Usually, your dentist can tell whether or not your wisdom teeth have the potential to cause oral health problems. If your wisdom teeth must be removed, then your dentist will send you to an oral surgeon for the extraction. Most dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth removed before the teeth are fully developed, around ages 15–17, but oral surgeons can extract wisdom teeth at later development stages as well.
Alexandria Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center in Alexandria, LA and Natchitoches, LA
Our oral surgeons have years of experience extracting wisdom teeth. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, contact one of our offices in Alexandria, LA or Natchitoches, LA, to schedule a consultation.