When Is the Time to Deal With Wisdom Teeth?
July 30, 2018
Although not true for everybody, most people have wisdom teeth that emerge between the ages of 17 and 22. Some people have wisdom teeth that emerge with no issues and there becomes no need to extract them. However, many people will have problematic wisdom teeth that will need to be extracted for the sake of their smile’s health. During your routine dental exam, your Kansas City dentist will monitor the status of your wisdom teeth. There is no blanket arbitrary time that is right for dealing with your wisdom teeth, but there are warning signs that the time could be near.
Pain, Swelling, Irritation
Sometimes when a wisdom tooth start erupting from your gums, it can create a flap of gum tissue that can trap small particles of food and bacteria. This bacteria can cause the tissues around the teeth to become hard and inflamed in a condition called pericoronitis. This can cause the gums to become painful, swollen, and irritated, which can make it difficult to eat. Pain may also come from the teeth slowing causing a shift in your smile.
Incorrect Growth and Alignment
Wisdom teeth are also referred to as “third molars,” as they are the last teeth to emerge after the second molars. By the time that wisdom teeth try to make an appearance to the party, capacity can sometimes have already been met. Because of that, the teeth can push into the other teeth at odd angles (which can cause damage to the teeth) and ultimately lead to a gradual shifting of the other teeth.
Sinus Issues
When wisdom teeth grow and roots develop in the upper jaw, they can push up against the sinuses putting pressure on them. This pressure can sometimes lead to sinus pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion. This is not a very common issue, but it can detract from someone’s quality of life.
Is It Time to Address Your Wisdom Teeth?
Your dentist can help you determine the when best to deal with wisdom teeth. If your child is heading into high school or college, it may be a good time to schedule a dental appointment. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.