Wisdom teeth or the third molars are the last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth and they usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people, it can extend up to the age of 30.
Wisdom teeth often cause extreme discomfort if it grows at an angle or in a horizontal position rather than vertical, causing crowding between the existing, adjacent teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary if one experience the following:
- Pain and damage to adjacent teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Gum diseases and infection of tissues behind the lower last tooth
- Tumors and Cyst formation
- Extensive tooth decay
Pain and Damage to Adjacent Teeth
When the wisdom tooth starts erupting, the patient tends to experience pain due to the pressure in the jaw behind the last teeth, extending towards the ears and sinuses. Like any dental problem, the pain or sensitivity will be mild in the beginning. If ignored, one will likely suffer from severe oral health problems in the future as they might damage the nearby teeth, contributing to bone loss and tooth cavities. Also, the patient might suffer from severe headaches or sinus infections due to the pressure caused by the roots of wisdom teeth in the sinus area.
Overcrowding
During the eruption of the wisdom tooth, the adjacent teeth are pushed aside to make room for it. Hence the nearby teeth are forced to change their position leading to their misalignment. Wisdom teeth can alter your straight smile resulting in changes to your facial appearance. Later on, one might need to undergo orthodontic treatment to get their smile corrected.
Gum Diseases
When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, inflammation of the gums occur making it challenging to clean, leading to gum infections. Such bacterial infections may grow over time due to the gap between the impacted wisdom tooth and the gum area. It can cause further oral health issues like cavities and tooth decay.
Tumors or Cysts
An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors as the sac in which it develops in the jawbone gets filled with fluid or bacterial growth. It can worsen the jawbone condition, leading to TMJ disorder causing damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
Extensive Tooth Decay
Dental hygiene can be at risk even if the wisdom tooth erupts into the oral cavity. It may be difficult to properly brush and floss around the wisdom tooth as the space is limited. The inaccessible region will lead to plaque build-up and cavities. One might not even realize the existence of cavities until the tooth decay becomes severe, requiring dental treatment.
See Also: What is Gingivitis? – What are the causes?
Sometimes wisdom tooth removal can be more complex than a regular tooth extraction and only an expert oral surgeon can perform the procedure under sedation therapy or general anaesthesia at hospitals. Here at Go Dental Clinic, we provide you with proficient oral and maxillofacial surgeons for your expert dental treatment and care.
In case, you’re facing any difficulty with your wisdom teeth or need to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction in Dubai, feel free to contact us at +971 4 397 9522 or book a consultation with our expert surgeons.
