Wisdom teeth are located in the very back of most peoples’ mouths, but they typically remain hidden beneath the gum line until the teenage years or early twenties. Most people have these teeth removed due to pain, infection or lack of room in the mouth. If your wisdom molars are causing pain or haven’t erupted yet, you may be wondering if you should get them removed. Here are a few things to consider before deciding on wisdom teeth removal.
Signs You May Not Need Tooth Removal
Although many people automatically have their wisdom molars removed when they reach a certain age, it may not always be necessary. If your teeth have already grown in fully, are healthy and aren’t causing crowding issues, it may be fine to leave them where they are. Your orthodontist at Hudson Orthodontics can have a look and verify if your molars are positioned correctly and can be fully cleaned as part of your normal daily hygiene routine.
Signs You Need Tooth Removal
Even if you don’t currently feel wisdom tooth pain, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. Here are a few signs you should consider having them removed:
- Gum Inflammation: If your gums are swollen in the back, it may be an indication of an infection or irritation caused by your back molars.
- Alignment Problems: If your erupting molars grow in at an angle, they can cause issues with your bite and/or interfere with the alignment of adjacent teeth.
- Sinus Problems: As your back molars erupt, they can irritate the sinuses and cause congestion, pain or pressure.
- Pain: If you feel any pain at or around the eruption site, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Some people think they can put off surgical extraction for weeks or even months. It’s understandable to feel nervous about undergoing oral surgery, but delaying the process could potentially lead to complications. If you fail to have your wisdom molars removed, they could potentially become infected and cause damage to the surrounding oral structures, jawbone and nerves. Having your molars extracted before they cause complications can lead to an easier extraction procedure and a faster, less painful recovery.
Contact Hudson Orthodontics Today!
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, or you would like to schedule an appointment to get your wisdom teeth removed, just contact us at Hudson Orthodontics and a member of our team will help you with everything you need. You can also fill out our simple appointment request form with your basic information, and we will find the next available time for your visit with us here at our local Muscle Shoals, AL office. We are excited to provide you with quality, comfortable orthodontic care that you deserve, so you can have a perfect smile for the rest of your life.