Many people have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. The procedure is considered relatively common. Nevertheless, you may wonder why it is necessary. Here is a bit of information about wisdom teeth and their extraction to help you better understand the reasons for wisdom teeth removal.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars. They typically erupt when you are in your late teens or early twenties. Although some erupt fully, wisdom teeth are often impacted.

Without enough room to grow properly, they can cause problems, such as pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts. In some cases, wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms, but they can still be prone to decay and gum disease because they are hard to reach and clean.

What Are the Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth?

The benefits of wisdom teeth removal include:

• Preventing or relieving pain and discomfort caused by wisdom teeth pushing against other teeth or the jawbone.
• Reducing the risk of infection, inflammation, and abscesses in the gums or jawbone around the wisdom teeth.
• Avoiding damage to nearby teeth, nerves, or bone structures that can result from impacted wisdom teeth.
• Improving oral hygiene and dental health by making it easier to brush and floss the back of the mouth.
• Enhancing the appearance and alignment of the smile by preventing crowding or shifting of the teeth due to wisdom teeth pressure.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common and safe procedure that can be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. Depending on the number and position of the wisdom teeth, the procedure may involve local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Simple extractions of wisdom teeth can be done without excisions to the gum. However, if a wisdom tooth is impacted, a surgical extraction, which involves cutting the gingival tissues, is necessary.

The recovery time varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the extraction, but most people can resume normal activities within a few days. Complications of wisdom teeth removal are rare but include bleeding, swelling, infection, dry socket, nerve damage, or sinus problems. To avoid any post-procedural issues, it is best to follow your dentist's instructions and receive proper follow-up care.

Contact a dental office in your area to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and whether or not you need this procedure.