Wisdom teeth are a common occurrence in early adulthood, and the decision to remove them surgically is one that should not be taken lightly. With advances in agricultural technology and dietary habits, the need to chew with wisdom teeth has been reduced, but there are still potential risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Before making a decision, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure with your Valley Dental Care dentist. The wisdom tooth extraction procedure can help reduce potential risks and make you more comfortable in the long term. It can be difficult to access wisdom teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss due to their location in the back of the mouth.
If wisdom teeth don't fully come out of the gums, they are referred to as impacted or partially impacted teeth. Consulting a medical specialist about your dental health can help you understand your candidacy for a wisdom tooth extraction. If left untreated, wisdom teeth can accumulate bacteria, acids, and food debris over time, leading to bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum infections. To avoid this, preventive wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary. Research has shown that wisdom teeth grow at an angle about 44 percent of the time.
If this happens, it can pile up surrounding teeth or even take root in them. This misalignment of adjacent teeth can trap food particles, debris, and plaque between the molars and ultimately lead to tooth decay. Nerves and blood vessels may be damaged during the procedure, resulting in bleeding and temporary numbness in the tongue or face. In very rare cases, serious infections can occur. Up to 1 in 100 people may have permanent problems as a result of the procedure, such as numbness or damage to nearby teeth. A nerve injury can interfere with daily activities such as eating and drinking.
However, it will only cause sensitivity problems and will not weaken your lips or tongue. In such cases, it's best to see a dentist to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of removing wisdom teeth. Understanding the benefits of successful wisdom tooth extraction surgery can help you weigh the need for it. Surgeons usually remove impacted wisdom teeth in small sections to reduce changes in the jaw. Many dentists believe that it is best to remove wisdom teeth at an earlier age when recovery is usually quicker after surgery.