Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Always Necessary?

Wisdom teeth are troublesome late bloomers that can cause real pain in the mouth. According to statistics, about 85% of these molars must be removed to prevent oral problems. But why do wisdom teeth erupt in the first place, and why has extracting them become necessary? Learn more about wisdom teeth, from what they are to when they need to be extracted, and be ready for wisdom teeth removal in Las Vegas, NV, if the time comes.

Why Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last to erupt, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. They were evolutionarily necessary to help early humans process tough, coarse foods like roots, nuts, and meats. Our ancestors had larger jaws and more teeth, so the emergence of wisdom teeth provided extra chewing power and allowed for better food digestion.

However, with changes in diet and evolution, our jaws have become smaller, and we no longer require these extra molars to process food. Many people do not have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, which can lead to various dental problems.

How Does the Extraction Work?

Wisdom teeth removal is a straightforward procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will use a local or general anesthetic to numb the area and remove the tooth. Depending on the tooth's position, the extraction may involve cutting through the gum and removing bone to get to the tooth.

When Is the Extraction Necessary?

Overcrowding

One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is overcrowding. When there isn't enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to come in, they push against your other teeth, causing misalignment, discomfort, and pain.

Impaction

Another common problem with wisdom teeth is impaction, which occurs when the tooth doesn't fully emerge from the gum line. Partially impacted wisdom teeth leave a section of gum tissue exposed to food and bacteria, leading to infection and decay.  

Decay or Infection  

If a wisdom tooth is decayed or infected, your dentist will likely have to remove it. A decayed or infected tooth leads to pain, swelling, and other complications and can spread the infection to other parts of the mouth or body.  

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an oral condition that causes the gum tissue to recede, creating pockets that trap bacteria and make it difficult to clean your teeth properly. If you already have gum disease, your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth to prevent further damage. 

Orthodontic Treatment

Your dentist will have to remove your wisdom teeth if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment and don't have enough space for proper teeth alignment. Wisdom teeth can also create crowding and misalignment that can undo the progress made with braces or other orthodontic appliances. 

Cysts or Tumors

Sometimes, a cyst or tumor develops around a wisdom tooth, damaging surrounding teeth and bones. Removing the affected tooth can stop the condition from affecting other tissue and becoming more severe.

Difficulty Cleaning

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to clean properly. If the teeth are hard to reach or clean, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to decay, infection, or other oral health problems. Therefore, an extraction might be just what you need to prevent decay and gum disease.

Want to Find Out If You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal in Las Vegas, NV?

If your erupting wisdom teeth are giving you a hard time or you need to schedule other dental procedures, don't hesitate to contact our team at Drs. Chin and Pharar. Our experienced dentists and oral surgeons are here to help you achieve oral health and have a beautiful smile!