Why Is Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed So Important?
Has your dentist recently informed you that you'll need your wisdom teeth out? Far too many patients ignore this advice. They figure that if they are not suffering from any pain or discomfort related to their wisdom teeth, they're just padding their dentist's pockets by having them pulled. But, this is typically not the truth. When your dentist advises you to have your wisdom teeth removed, he or she has your best interests at heart. Here are three reasons why your dentist might be recommending you have those teeth removed even though they're not causing you any pain.
They're impacted.
If your wisdom teeth have not yet emerged and your dentist is recommending that you have them surgically removed, it's probably because they are impacted. This means they are situated in such a way that they will never be able to erupt from your jaw. They might be wedged between your other molars or facing the back of your jaw. This might not be causing you any pain right now, but it can cause serious infections and pain later on. It's better to have the teeth removed now while you're feeling well than in five or ten years when you're battling a serious infection related to them.
They're pressing on your other teeth.
Whether your wisdom teeth have erupted yet or not, your dentist can tell from x-rays whether they are pressing on your other teeth. If they are pressing on your other teeth, they will slowly cause those teeth to move out of a alignment and become more and more crooked over time. You can have your wisdom teeth removed now and enjoy straight teeth, or you can have them pulled and have braces put on a few years down the road. Your dentist is recommending you have them removed so you can avoid braces and the hassles of a crooked smile.
You're not able to clean them properly.
Since they are so far back in the mouth, many people cannot keep their wisdom teeth clean enough to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. If your dentist is seeing signs that you're not cleaning your wisdom teeth properly, he or she may recommend having them removed. This is better than having them slowly rot due to tooth decay or perpetuate gum disease that can spread through your mouth.
If your dentist has recommended having your wisdom teeth removed, it is important that you take that recommendation seriously and make plans to have them pulled. The procedure is very common, and although you'll have some discomfort afterwards, it is a better option than the tooth decay, crooked teeth and infections you might experience if you keep your teeth. Contact with a dental professional, such as Miller Kenneth G, for more information.
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