Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth problems can often sneak up on you unexpectedly. They may start with minor pain in your jaw that worsens with time or inflammation of the gums in the back of your mouth. If there isn’t room in your mouth for these teeth to come in, your wisdom teeth can become impacted, causing pain and inflammation of gum tissue. To ease wisdom teeth pain and discomfort, your best course of action is to have them extracted. At Kennebec Dental Excellence, we offer wisdom teeth removal services to residents in Winslow, Maine, and nearby cities.   

When Extraction Isn’t Necessary

Wisdom teeth don’t always have to be extracted. Fully erupted, healthy wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems may not need to be removed. Drs. Jeff Bue and Julie Chang will evaluate your wisdom teeth to ensure they’re not endangering the health of surrounding teeth or altering your bite. You should also have easy access to these teeth for brushing and flossing to avoid problems with cavities. 

Reasons to Consider Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that aren’t really needed for biting or chewing. If they pose a risk to existing surrounding teeth, it’s best to have them removed. Through dental x-rays, your dentist can assess the position, growth, and development of your wisdom teeth to determine if extraction is necessary. Here are some reasons to consider removing wisdom teeth: 

• To Avoid Damage to Nearby Teeth: If your wisdom teeth lack space to grow, they could collide with existing teeth as they emerge, causing them to chip or crack under pressure. This can result in pain and sensitivity. Your wisdom teeth could also crowd or displace existing teeth, altering your bite and ruining the symmetry of your smile. Overcrowded teeth are more difficult to clean, putting you at greater risk of decay and gum disease.
• To Keep Teeth from Shifting: The emergence of wisdom teeth could cause nearby teeth to shift out of their original position to allow these new teeth to squeeze in. This can result in crooked or misaligned teeth. Dental shifting can also put undue pressure on your back molars as other teeth press against them, competing for space.
• To Protect Gum Health: If your wisdom teeth become impacted, it can affect your gum health. Your gums could become inflamed, sensitive, and painful. You may be unable to brush or floss properly due to gum sensitivity, which can lead to infection and gum disease. 
• To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Wisdom teeth are extra molars that need to be kept clean. However, their location is way at the back of your mouth, making them hard to reach for proper brushing and flossing. Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth abscesses or severe decay, resulting in emergency tooth extraction to protect nearby healthy teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Me

To learn more about wisdom teeth removal or to schedule extraction services, contact our team at Kennebec Dental Excellence in Winslow, ME, at (207) 810-5088.

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