At Krengel Dental, we get a lot of questions about wisdom teeth; what are they, when do they grow in, why are they often removed and how do I know if I need mine out? So this week, we?ll be answering your questions to give you the wisdom you need about your wisdom teeth.
As the last set of teeth to grow in, wisdom teeth are our third set of molars that usually grow in during our late teens/early twenties. During evolution, our jaws have shrunk, often causing very little room (and a lot of unwanted discomfort) for this extra row of teeth. Around 85% of adults have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid side effects of overcrowding in the mouth.
So how do you know if you are someone who should have your wisdom teeth removed? Sometimes, our Krengel Dentists detect the need for extraction of the wisdom teeth by looking at your x-rays. Other signs that it is time to get your wisdom teeth out include the following:
- Overcrowding. When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to surface, teeth that were once straight begin to shift and move. If you notice any shifting, which can also cause gum issues and difficulty getting trapped food out through cleaning methods, these shifts in the structure of your teeth are a good sign that you may need your wisdom teeth out.
- Pain in your jaw. This is usually the first sign that your wisdom teeth are causing problems. If you notice any dull, aching pain in your jaw, these are the most common types of reported pain when wisdom teeth need to be removed. Experiencing pain when chewing food can also be indicative of jaw pain related to wisdom teeth.
- Swollen gums. While swollen gums are a side-effect of several dental problems, overcrowding your mouth can lead to swollen, red gums, making it harder to brush and floss your teeth, ultimately making it harder to get rid of bacteria building up in your mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms and you are around the ages of 18-25, it is a good idea to contact your Krengel Dental dentist and see if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Once you and your Krengel Dental dentist have determined that your Wisdom Teeth need out, the procedure is pretty standard practice. If any cutting of the gums is required, an oral surgeon will perform the procedure. Your dentist will use dental sutures to close up the wound and give you directions on how to manage the pain and keep the area clean in order to avoid any infection.
No better time to call than the present. Give us a call at 952-888-1311 and a friendly Krengel Dental team member will get you set up with appropriate services in no time.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 25, now is the perfect time to ask our team of dentists about wisdom tooth extraction. Book an appointment with us today by calling (952) 888-1311.
