Wisdom teeth, sometimes known as the “third molars,” are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. While some lucky individuals never have issues with their wisdom teeth, many others do. In those cases, removal may be recommended to protect your oral wellness and prevent future problems. Does this sound surprising? It’s actually quite common! Here’s more about some of the reasons that warrant wisdom tooth extraction in Winthrop.
1. Lack of Space Inside the Mouth
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is that there simply isn’t enough space for them. Our human ancestors had larger mouths and coarser diets, so they developed these teeth to help them bite and chew their food. Our diets today are much different, and we’ve evolved to not need these extra molars in favor of the rest of our teeth.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge through the gums. This can happen if the tooth grows at an angle, gets trapped beneath the gum tissue, or presses against another tooth. It also happens when there isn’t enough space for them. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to the nearby teeth if left unaddressed.
3. Increased Risk of Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings in the gum tissue where bacteria can easily collect. These hard-to-clean areas increase the risk of infection, inflammation, and gum disease. Patients might deal with tenderness, swelling, bad breath, or recurring infections around the wisdom teeth, even despite their brushing efforts.
4. Recurring Sinus Problems
The mouth and nose are intricately connected; however, did you know that impacted wisdom teeth can actually affect the sinuses? If you’re dealing with sinus pain, pressure, and constant congestion, it’s possible that your third molars are placing pressure on your sinuses. In these cases, wisdom tooth removal can even benefit your ability to breathe clearly.
5. Orthodontic Considerations
For patients who’ve had braces or orthodontic treatment in the past, wisdom teeth may increase the chances of teeth shifting out of alignment. Similarly, the wisdom teeth might’ve already caused teeth to move around, or there might not be room for future tooth movement due to their presence. While not every orthodontic treatment plan calls for their removal, in many cases, it can be an important step.
Remember, if wisdom tooth extraction has been recommended, you don’t need to panic; your dental team will explain the process from start to finish and help ensure a smooth recovery. That said, know that your smile will emerge far healthier in the end!
About the Practice
With Dr. Timothy Zajac, Dr. Kenneth Yang, and Dr. Amr Aly leading the way, our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry has served the needs of those in Worcester and the nearby areas for several years. We offer a wide range of services, ranging from routine preventive care to more advanced treatments such as wisdom tooth extraction performed in-house. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, please contact us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.