Everyone, from teenagers and parents to mature adults, has heard at least something about having one’s wisdom teeth extracted.
Also, we know that it’s not exactly riveting listening to someone describe their dental work.
Except for us, of course. This is beside the point, though.
A common concern for those who have put off getting their third molars extracted is:
Should I get my wisdom teeth pulled?
Many people now consider having their wisdom teeth out to be a necessary part of growing up, but this is far from the case.
Therefore, let’s talk about whether or not you really need this treatment and what might happen if you don’t get rid of your wisdom teeth.
Simply put, what is the wisdom teeth?
My apologies, but…
According to popular belief, getting your wisdom teeth out will not make you any wiser.
Most people don’t receive their wisdom teeth until they’re older and, hopefully, wiser.
They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21.
These teeth are situated at the extreme rear of your mouth, behind your other molars and canines. There will be two on top and two on the bottom. Of course, this isn’t true for everyone; more on that later.
Your set of 32 permanent teeth isn’t complete until your wisdom teeth come in. These molars are the widest and strongest since they are used to ground food.
As well as causing several complications, these issues are why wisdom teeth extraction is so common.
When should I get my wisdom teeth extracted?
For the following four reasons, your dentist in New York, NY, may recommend the extraction of your wisdom teeth:
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted, which means they can’t erupt normally. Often they are horizontal rather than vertical and persist in hiding beneath the gums. Excruciating pain can result from wisdom teeth that get impacted.
- They don’t come in straight, increasing the risk of injury to neighboring teeth as they crowd in.
- Your lips are too tight for your head: Your jaw is too small to accommodate an extra set of molars. It has been hypothesized that this is due to the evolution of our jaws as a result of our changing diets.
- You can’t keep your teeth in top shape if you: Plaque and tartar buildup are more likely to develop on wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean with a traditional toothbrush and floss.
