Wisdom Teeth and When Removing them is Necessary
Having wisdom teeth removed has long been considered a rite of passage to adulthood for many people. Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, correctly positioned and able to be cleaned properly may not need to be removed. However, many times, these third molars simply do not have enough room in which to erupt and can either crowd adjacent teeth or fail to erupt fully. Dental surgery can help prevent an impacted wisdom tooth from affecting your oral health and crowding your other teeth.
Our dentist can help you determine if extracting your wisdom teeth is an appropriate choice for you. Even if your wisdom teeth haven't caused any problems, they may still need to be extracted. That's because they can have the potential to cause problems in the future. They are often difficult to clean, harboring dangerous bacteria that increase your risk for gum disease and tooth decay. You may even develop an infection or abscess. Additionally, as they begin to erupt fully, they can crowd your other teeth and create malocclusions. In some cases, teeth that have not yet erupted may develop cysts that can damage the tissue and bone surrounding the tooth.
When making the decision to extract wisdom teeth, you will need to consider your current oral health and any specific health needs you have, as well the potential effect your wisdom teeth will have on your health. Our Los Angeles dentist will discuss your options with you so that you can make the decision that's right for you. Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation.