Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary for Most People in Apple Valley, Owatonna, Savage, MN, Eagan, Burnsville, Shakopee, and Surrounding Areas?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a normal milestone for many people. At one point or another, most individuals will need to have their wisdom teeth removed; an estimated 85% do.
That’s a big number. But why do so many people need their wisdom teeth removed? The answer to that question comes down to how these teeth develop, where they sit in your mouth, and whether they create problems for the rest of your smile.
For some people, wisdom teeth cause noticeable pain or swelling. For others, the problems develop under the surface with no warning signs. But knowing what could go wrong helps you recognize when it’s time to see an oral surgeon and protect your long-term oral health.
Let’s explore some of the reasons why wisdom tooth extraction is such a common procedure.
There’s Not Enough Space in Your Mouth
Your mouth only has a limited amount of room, and wisdom teeth arrive relatively late to the party. By the time these third molars begin developing, the other teeth have usually settled into their permanent positions. For a lot of people, that means there just isn’t enough space for the teeth to emerge properly.
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully take its place, it might get trapped beneath the gums or grow at an unusual angle. This is known as impaction, and it can create problems even when you can’t see the tooth.
Tooth Decay and Cavity Risks
Even those who have good oral hygiene can miss the teeth in the farthest corner of their mouths. Those hard-to-reach spots can make brushing and flossing more of a challenge and can lead to tooth decay and cavity risks down the line.
Wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, or before your wisdom teeth even have a chance to decay.
Gum Inflammation or Disease
A partially emerged wisdom tooth can leave a flap of gum tissue covering only part of its surface. This leaves space for food and bacteria to collect beneath the tissue, making the area difficult to clean, not to mention painful.
Recurring inflammation around a wisdom tooth, or any tooth, for that matter, deserves attention. Depending on the tooth’s position and the severity of the problem, an oral surgeon may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to help prevent repeated gum inflammation or disease.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Right for You?
Do you really need wisdom tooth extraction? While a great deal of individuals require extraction, it’s worth noting that some don’t. Some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come in properly without causing pain, crowding, or other issues.
If you’re not sure if you require wisdom tooth extraction, you should consult with an experienced oral surgeon who can evaluate your wisdom teeth and accurately determine if removal is necessary to protect your oral health.
Book An Appointment Today
At Dakota Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we’re here to help you understand your options and determine if wisdom tooth extraction is ideal for our patients in Apple Valley, Owatonna, Savage, MN, Eagan, Burnsville, Shakopee, or the surrounding areas. Bringing advanced surgical training to the table, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can assess your wisdom teeth, your risks, and help you determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is the right choice for your needs.
Under the guidance of a board-certified anesthesiologist, we also offer general anesthesia in our office, with patients continuously monitored during and after surgery. This matters when you want the reassurance of knowing that your comfort and safety remain priorities throughout your procedure.