Each year, millions of people have their wisdom teeth extracted. Further, nearly 85 percent of people will need their wisdom teeth removed in their lifetime. But why? Well, we simply don’t need our wisdom teeth, and even if they aren’t causing discomfort, they do get in the way of other teeth, causing major issues down the line. While it is possible to experience zero issues with these molars, most people find themselves suffering from related complications. An impacted tooth, for example, is one of the most common issues to arise from neglecting a wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
Today, Advanced Indiana will be answering the popular question of why wisdom teeth extraction is such a popular dental procedure.
5 Reasons to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted
In order to explain why so many people have wisdom tooth extraction surgery each year, it’s a good idea for us to discuss 5 of the most common reasons to have your wisdom teeth extracted. While there are many benefits of wisdom tooth extraction, here are the top five reasons for the surgery to help you make the most informed decision.
1. Inflammation and the Possibility of Infection
One of the most common reasons to have a wisdom tooth extraction is found in the fact that neglecting to remove wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation and greatly increase the possibility of infection. Due to a combination of limited space and partial impactions, wisdom teeth often lead to gum inflammation. Oftentimes, this leads to painful gum disease and other health hazards. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can avoid these issues altogether, and that’s one of the reasons that millions of people decide to have their wisdom teeth removed each year.
2. Overcrowding
When the wisdom teeth erupt, they begin to force their way into an already crowded area. When there is little room for these molars to move into, neighboring teeth are often pushed aside to create space. The result is a misalignment of the teeth and impacts the overall bite. If you had braces to straighten your teeth, for example, overcrowding can undo years of dental work rather quickly. To avoid this type of damage, many people decide to get their wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible.
3. Damage to Nearby Teeth
Aside from overcrowding, wisdom teeth can do more to neighboring teeth than just cause misalignment by pushing them aside. Additionally, the eruption of wisdom teeth can damage adjacent second molars by contributing to jaw bone loss and cavities. The wisdom tooth can also cause root damage to neighboring teeth, resulting in chronic toothaches, receding gums, and even tooth loss. This is another common reason for wisdom teeth extraction that makes the procedure so popular.
4. Cysts or Tumors
Did you know that an impacted tooth can actually lead to tiny cysts and tumors located in the jaw bone? That’s right. What’s more, tumors and cysts can cause joint pain that ends up requiring the help of a TMJ specialist and a variety of TMJ treatment options for relief- something you’d much rather avoid.
5. Difficulty With Cleaning
Finally, another common reason for wisdom teeth extraction that makes the procedure so popular is the fact that wisdom teeth can cause difficulty cleaning properly. When wisdom teeth erupt, space is likely limited, and this makes brushing and flossing properly very difficult. This makes the wisdom teeth prime locations for cavities and plaque buildup. It’s much better to get them removed as soon as possible.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction By the Experts at Advanced Indiana
Wisdom teeth extraction is popular because it is often needed to keep your dental health at its best. To learn more about the process, check out our article “What to Expect When Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed.” Advanced Indiana offers tooth extraction services at each of our locations. If you are currently experiencing severe pain or discomfort and you think your wisdom teeth may be to blame, visit us today!
Our dental staff will perform a full examination and help you determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. When it comes to wisdom teeth, it is often better to get them removed sooner rather than later, as they can cause health complications and even damage your other teeth over time!
Call us today at (765) 622-7000 (our Anderson office) or (317) 485-7000 (our Fortville office). You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you!
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