What are Wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth appear in the back of the mouth, usually during the mid-teens and early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth, though they don't all come in at the same time.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
- Pain in the tooth or around the gumline is a common reason to have wisdom teeth removed. Since wisdom teeth are located so far in the back of the mouth, it's hard to maneuver a toothbrush around them. The result is often cavities and gum decay.
- With no room for growth, wisdom teeth can become impacted. This means they can't erupt through the gum line. These teeth may only partially erupt, causing pain, jaw stiffness, and crowding of other healthy teeth. View this wisdom teeth video to better understand how wisdom teeth can impact your mouth, jaw, smile, and bite.
- Cysts Forming Around the Teeth
- Fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, can form around these teeth, which can destroy roots and the surrounding bone structure. Left untreated, these cysts could become tumors.
How Old is Too Old?
The good news is, you are never too old to have your wisdom teeth extracted. While it's true that surgery carries more risks as you age, each patient is considered individually. The most common issues are longer recovery time and minor nerve damage to the lower lip. However, the complications of keeping damaged wisdom teeth could be much worse than the risks of surgery.
What Are the Risks of Keeping My Wisdom Teeth?
- Impending Gum Disease
- As we age, mobility decreases, making it harder to reach those back teeth. Inflammation between your teeth and gums can cause infection. Gum disease, or periodontitis, can spread beyond the infected tooth.
- Other Health Conditions May Become Worse
- Teeth have roots, which can lead directly to the bloodstream. Conditions like heart disease and diabetes have been proven to occur more in patients with periodontal disease.
- Cysts and Tumors
- If your wisdom teeth are impacted or crooked, infections and cysts can form at any time. While swelling is a symptom, tumors and cysts are usually invisible without an x-ray.
If you still have your wisdom teeth, it's important to discuss the impact they might have on your health in the future. Call us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.