Have you noticed that your jaw feels sore recently? There are many potential reasons for your tenderness, including new wisdom teeth. These third molars arrive years after your other adult teeth grow in, often between 17 and 25 years old.
It’s believed our ancestors evolved them for necessity, but today, they tend to be problematic and are no longer needed for survival. As a result, they’re considered a vestigial feature and are removed more often than not. Continue reading to learn about 3 reasons why your provider might recommend having them extracted!
Concern #1: Persistent Aches
Wisdom teeth are known for causing severe or persistent discomfort that typically doesn’t subside until they are taken out. This may be partly because ancient humans had larger, more angular jawbones than we have today. Over time, as diets became softer and people began eating cooked foods and using utensils, the foundation of the mouth became smaller and rounder.
That means these molars today don’t have as much room to grow, and they can cause throbbing in the jaw that can radiate outward. It can spread and affect your neighboring teeth, ears, face, head, and neck. Your dentist can help provide some much-needed relief by performing an extraction, and many of them offer sedatives, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), so the procedure itself doesn’t hurt, either.
Concern #2: Overcrowding
The evolution of our jawbones also means that wisdom teeth frequently cause overcrowding as they attempt to clear your gumline. For example, they often push nearby teeth out of the way as they grow. If left untreated, dental misalignments can wear down your enamel unevenly, increasing the risk of cavities, chips, cracks, and other concerns. You might also need orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign®, to correct the problem.
That means removing the troublemakers before they erupt can help avoid other issues that might lead to lengthy, costly, or emergency services.
Concern #3: Impaction
Because the jaw is often too small to house your wisdom teeth comfortably when they arrive, there’s a chance that they might not clear the gumline or make their way out of the bone material. If they become trapped, or impacted, they can cause additional aches, develop a cyst, or become infected.
Unfortunately, these conditions don’t resolve on their own and only worsen the longer they go unaddressed. Removing wisdom teeth helps prevent impaction and other associated complications.
If your dentist recommended wisdom tooth extraction but you’re unsure why, they can provide more detailed information based on your unique circumstances so that you feel confident moving forward.
About the Practice
At Riviera Family Dentistry of Mesquite, you benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-focused care to meet your unique needs under one roof. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including wisdom tooth extractions and nitrous oxide sedation, using state-of-the-art technology for improved comfort and accuracy. If you’re hurting and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (214) 764-0112.