What Are The Major Oral Health Problems That Wisdom Teeth Can Cause?

A wisdom tooth is a third molar that typically appears between the ages of 17 and 25. Most often, there is simply no room in a person’s jaw for these molars, and they may grow crooked or impacted, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.

When is a wisdom tooth extraction needed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that develop in the back corners of the mouth between the ages of 17 to 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have no teeth or more than four. Wisdom teeth often cause problems such as crowding, impaction, and infection, which is why they are often removed.

When wisdom teeth don’t come in straight but emerge at the wrong angle, it is said to be impacted. This can cause pain, swelling, and even infection.

Impacted teeth are also prone to cavities and gum disease, as they are difficult to be cleaned like the other teeth. Impacted teeth can also push your other teeth out of alignment or cause them to shift, creating crookedness.

What are the major oral health problems that wisdom teeth can cause?

Wisdom teeth can cause several oral health issues if they’re not removed. This is why our dentists will always advise you to have them removed. Here are some of the issues that wisdom teeth can cause:

• Crowding. If wisdom teeth grow crooked, they can push your other teeth out of alignment. This will cause overcrowding, which will require braces to straighten the teeth.
• Aspiration. Wisdom teeth can push against the other teeth or grow at an odd angle, causing the other teeth or soft tissue to become damaged. Aspiration occurs when the tongue or lips push against the teeth, causing injuries.
• Cysts.Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the roots of the teeth. They are painful and can lead to serious infections.
• Damage to nearby teeth. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can damage the other teeth. This can lead to more restorative work, such as root canals and crowns.
• Gum disease. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause food to become trapped around the roots of the tooth. This can cause a buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria, resulting in gum disease.

To know more about wisdom teeth extractions, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.