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In the past, wisdom teeth became our ancestors’ saving grace when eating their meals. The four extra teeth behind the jaw served to help people chew coarse leaves, roots, nuts, and raw meat, which were the food staples in the past. However, as humans continued to evolve, the wisdom teeth became vestigial organs we still use today.
There are instances wherein wisdom teeth become part of a person’s burden. In some cases, dental patients experience pain and inflammation due to the unusual growth of a wisdom tooth. The condition often leads to wisdom teeth removal, saving the patients from suffering. But how can people tell if they would need wisdom teeth removed?
1. Failure to Erupt
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, dentists can remove wisdom teeth for several reasons. However, the most common sense to prompt removal is the failure to erupt—meaning the tooth hasn’t punctured through the patient’s gums to protrude like how other teeth do. As a result, the condition causes patients pain and other dental concerns that only wisdom teeth removal can solve.
2. Not Enough Jaw Space
The most common sign is the fact that the wisdom teeth do not fit in with the jaw. Although rare, some people can grow more teeth than their jaw space can handle. As a result, they can experience overcrowding which causes damage to the teeth alongside each other. The condition is as terrible as the teeth pushing each other in various directions to fit in the space.
Overcrowding can lead to multiple dental issues like uneven teeth, pain, and inflammation. Therefore, as soon as the patient feels that their jaw feels tight from all the teeth it houses, it’s best to seek professional help to mitigate the risks that come with the condition.
3. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Tooth decay and gum diseases are two of the most common dental problems. Teeth that always touch each other can damage each others’ enamel, prompting bacteria to penetrate and ruin the teeth. As a result, the patient can develop tooth decay and gum disease. The only solution to prevent the issue is by removing the wisdom teeth to stop them from touching the teeth beside them.
4. Less than Ideal Bite
Wisdom teeth always can grow unusually. For example, it won’t erupt and lie down and push towards the teeth next to it. Itt can burst through the gums in other scenarios but stay slanted, still hurting the teeth next to it. But no matter how the teeth get positioned in the mouth, it causes the jaw to misalign and produce a less than ideal bite.
Therefore, as much as possible, people who experience early signs of ingrown wisdom teeth should consult with their dentists about it. Prevention will always be better than cure. As much as possible, try to get regular checkups to ensure that the wisdom tooth growth stays correct and not harmful for the other teeth, gums, and jaw.
5. Prevent Bruxism
Wisdom teeth removal is also recommended for patients who grind their teeth at night. Bruxism is a medical condition wherein a person unconsciously grinds their teeth together, especially in their sleep. Often, the situation results in decreased tooth size and early signs of decay. If you are grinding your teeth at night, it is best to see your dentist for wisdom teeth removal because it can cause severe tooth decay, facial asymmetry, and soreness of the gums.
Conclusion
Having a patient’s wisdom teeth removed shouldn’t affect their speech or overall oral health. As long as it’s done reasonably, it should save the other teeth, the gums, and the jaw from other complications brought by the condition. In the end, the patient comes home with one missing tooth or more but with more comfort and an improved feeling of not having to worry about it hurting again.
Clover Dental is a general and cosmetic dentist in Brunswick offering high-quality services for patients wanting a brighter smile. Our goal is to bring back people’s confidence drawn from their teeth through advanced and updated services. Have your wisdom teeth removal service done by a dentist near you today by booking an appointment with us today.
