Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are the furthest back molars in your mouth. They generally erupt around the age of twenty, though every person is different. For some patients, wisdom teeth come in without any problems, and some people are even born without wisdom teeth. So, what’s the big deal and why do most people have their wisdom teeth removed?

Because wisdom teeth are the furthest back in your mouth, they often do not have the room to properly grow without crowding your other teeth and can be difficult to keep clean once erupted. Wisdom teeth that do not grow upright like they are supposed to are called “impacted”. Impacted teeth may grow sideways or only partially erupt. They can also grow into the roots of your surrounding teeth, which may be extremely painful.

When wisdom teeth do not grow in correctly, plaque and bacteria can become trapped under your gums and in-between your wisdom teeth and once-healthy neighboring teeth, causing cavities and infection. Wisdom teeth can also affect the alignment of your other teeth, rub against your surrounding molars, or cause other serious issues.

If Dr. Ammons and the rest of our qualified team determine that your wisdom teeth will lead to painful problems in the future, we may encourage you to have your wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe, common procedure. Recovery is usually very quick and our team will carefully monitor your progress to ensure your comfort.

Are you wondering about wisdom tooth removal for you or a family member? We create individualized treatment plans to address each patient's unique dental needs. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation!