When it comes to wisdom teeth, there's often debate about whether they should be removed or left alone. The decision should be tailored to each individual since everyone's oral anatomy is unique, and the position of wisdom teeth varies from person to person and even within the same individual. If a dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal, it doesn't necessarily mean all wisdom teeth need to be. However, there are key reasons to consider this procedure.
1. Preventing Future Complications for Younger Patients
For younger patients whose wisdom teeth have yet to erupt, a panoramic X-ray can reveal their position. If there appears to be insufficient space for these teeth to emerge properly, early removal may be advised to avert potential issues. Wisdom teeth eruption can cause adjacent teeth to shift, potentially undoing the results of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, preemptive removal may be recommended in such cases.
2. Ensuring Proper Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth that struggle to fully emerge often remain partially covered by gum tissue, making thorough cleaning difficult or impossible. This situation leads to the accumulation of bacteria, increasing the risk of inflammation, gum disease, and dental cavities. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can significantly improve oral hygiene, reducing the likelihood of these oral health problems.
3. Avoiding Bite Problems and TMJ Issues
In rare instances, fully erupted wisdom teeth can still cause issues, particularly if they sit above the plane of occlusion. Lower wisdom teeth tend to form where the jawbone curves upward towards the joint. When these teeth erupt along this curve, they sit higher than the surrounding teeth, potentially interfering with the bite. This interference can result in muscle pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Bonus: Preventing Super-Eruption
In cases where one lower wisdom tooth causes problems, it's often necessary to remove the corresponding upper wisdom tooth to prevent super-eruption in the future. Upper and lower teeth naturally seek contact, and when only an upper wisdom tooth exists without a lower counterpart, it can continue to descend over time. This can create spacing issues between the upper wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth, posing challenges for gum health maintenance.
Conclusion
At Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics, situated in the heart of Miami, Florida, we excel in wisdom teeth removal when it's the right course of action. Our experienced dentists ensure that the process is comfortable and virtually painless. We warmly welcome new patients of all ages, offering comprehensive dental care for the entire family.