Wisdom Teeth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that emerge in the back of the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, though some may have fewer or none at all. These teeth often need to be removed because they can become impacted, grow at odd angles, or may worsen crowding, which leads to oral health problems.
Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
You might be one of the lucky ones who do not need their wisdom teeth removed, but for most people, there isn’t enough space in the mouth. Wisdom teeth need to be extracted for several reasons but most often it is one of the following:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth often grow in at an angle and become trapped (impacted) within the jawbone or gum tissue, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
- Risk of Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Overcrowding: Often the jaw will not have enough space to accommodate wisdom teeth. As the wisdom teeth attempt to erupt they may worsen crowding of the teeth which can affect the bite and overall oral health.