Indications for Wisdom Teeth Removal:
Decay and Damage: Wisdom teeth can decay, crack, or fracture over time. Failing to extract severely damaged or decayed teeth can lead to the formation of infections or abscesses, causing localized swelling and potentially spreading infection to other parts of the body.
Jaw Damage: Wisdom teeth that remain beneath the surface can be associated with the development of cysts, which can cause significant damage to the jawbone. In rarer cases, they may be linked to the growth of tumours.
Sinus Issues: Wisdom teeth can sometimes trigger sinus problems when they grow in the upper jaw. As these teeth develop and develop roots, they can exert pressure on the sinuses, leading to sinus pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion, although this occurs infrequently.
Inflamed Gums: The emergence of wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue near the tooth, trapping food particles and bacteria. This tissue can become inflamed and hard to clean, a condition known as pericoronitis. It can also affect wisdom teeth that are still beneath the gumline.
Cavities: The positioning of wisdom teeth can make it challenging to clean surfaces where bacteria can hide. Irritated gums may lead to the development of pockets between teeth, promoting cavity formation and infection.
Pain and Irritation: Growing wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and pain. Dentists can determine if extraction is necessary based on an examination and X-rays, as pain may resolve on its own in some cases.
Difficulty Eating: Pain while eating can be a reason to remove wisdom teeth. Food may become trapped between the gums and the tops of the teeth, leading to problems with oral hygiene.
Teeth Misalignment: Crookedly growing wisdom teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift and potentially damage them. Extraction can prevent such damage. The limited space in our jaws is believed to be a reason for wisdom teeth growing crooked or sideways.