Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Wisdom teeth usually develop and begin emerging around the teenage years or by the onset of adulthood. You’ve probably heard of friends or family members getting their wisdom teeth removed. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. But you may wonder why so many people have to get their wisdom teeth removed. Today on the blog, Greeneville dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share why it’s usually best to remove wisdom teeth and why the sooner you do it, the better off you’ll be.
Wisdom teeth are removed for several reasons. Most people do not have enough room in the back of their mouth for their wisdom teeth to emerge. Because there is limited space for these teeth to erupt, they are likely to become impacted (which means they grow sideways underneath the gums) or only partially erupt, making them difficult to clean.
Additionally, if there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to fully erupt, the following dental problems are likely to occur:
- Pressure and force applied to your other teeth, causing crowding or overlapping teeth.
- Gum or tooth infections may develop as cleaning partially erupted wisdom teeth is difficult.
- Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can eventually cause a significant amount of discomfort in your other teeth or the jawbone.
Failure to have your wisdom teeth removed when the dentist advises you could lead to pain that causes you to need emergency dental care, a dental infection, or misaligned or crooked teeth. In some severe cases, dental infections can spread to other facial bones, the sinuses or even cause an earache.
When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
If you’re going to the dentist twice a year, he or she will inform you when you should have your wisdom teeth removed if you don’t have enough space in your mouth for them to erupt. However, if at any time, regardless of age, you experience wisdom teeth pain or pain in the very back of your mouth, see a family dentist in Greeneville for a wisdom teeth assessment. The dentist may need to take x-rays of your mouth to determine exactly how the wisdom teeth are lying underneath the gum, as well as see their root structure for proper and safe removal.
Generally speaking, wisdom teeth are removed when in your teens or early 20s. If you are past this age and are not sure if you have wisdom teeth, check with your dentist. Adults have been known to suddenly experience pain from wisdom teeth that never bothered them before. Getting your wisdom teeth removed may cause some discomfort and gum tenderness for a few days. Therefore, it may be best to plan the procedure near the weekend or at the end of the school year if you’re a student. That way, you can rest at home without worrying about work or school.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin
If you have questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth or need to book an appointment to have them removed, contact Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575. If you’re nervous about your surgical appointment, don’t be! Ask our team members about sedation dentistry to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your appointment.