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Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in a person’s smile. While some people never develop wisdom teeth, others will have four, five, or even six of these teeth. Here are the reasons they may need to be extracted:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth may push other healthy teeth out of place. They may also come in at an awkward angle or not emerge at all, a condition known as impaction. In these cases, the wisdom tooth may come in crooked, damage adjacent teeth, or cause pain, swelling, and bad breath.

If wisdom teeth are impacted, they are stuck beneath the gums and unable to erupt fully into the mouth. This can cause pain and infection in the gum area surrounding the tooth or teeth. Extraction is often the only remedy for an impacted wisdom tooth.

Risk of Infection and Gum Disease

A wisdom tooth can be an asset when healthy and properly positioned, but problems can occur that require extraction to avoid further problems. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that fails to fully erupt through the gums. This increases the chances of tooth decay, recurring infections, or damage to adjacent teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the tissues that surround and support your teeth; if left untreated, it can lead to receding gums, tooth loss, and bone damage.

Alignment Issues

Impacted wisdom teeth are a common cause of alignment issues, especially when they push against other teeth. This often occurs because there isn’t enough space for the teeth to come in properly. This can lead to crowding and misalignment of other teeth. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean and care for, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Crowded

If your wisdom tooth is impacted, meaning there is not enough room in your mouth for your third molar to emerge from the gums, then you may need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction. However, your dentist can recommend other procedures like orthodontic treatment and bone grafting that may be able to eliminate the need to remove your third set of molars.

The Dental Centre, located in Austin, is equipped with expert dentists and modern amenities. To learn more about our dental treatments, call us at (512) 892-7800 and schedule an appointment with the dentist.