Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that come in, and they typically make their first appearance when someone is in their late teens or early twenties. While these teeth can sometimes benefit the individual, they often have trouble erupting properly. There are several signs that could mean you need wisdom teeth extraction near Marietta, GA.
Your wisdom teeth are misaligned.
As your wisdom teeth come in, it’s important that they do so in alignment with your existing teeth. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to erupt in a way that’s misaligned. When this occurs, the wisdom teeth can damage neighboring molars and put added pressure on the jawbone and nearby nerves. Misaligned wisdom teeth are typically angled horizontally or in a different direction than the second molars. If you believe that your wisdom teeth are coming in, visit your dentist’s office for an evaluation.
Your wisdom teeth are impacted.
One of the most common reasons that people need wisdom teeth removal is impaction. This problem occurs when the wisdom teeth are trying to erupt, but are unable to do so and end up either trapped beneath the gums or partially erupted through the gums. When the teeth are enclosed beneath the gums, this can put pressure on the surrounding tissues and lead to pain and swelling. When the teeth have partially erupted, the same symptoms can develop, but the opening that they create in the gums can also leave your mouth vulnerable to an infection that can cause illness and jaw stiffness. Finally, partially erupted wisdom teeth are especially vulnerable to tooth decay because they are often difficult to keep clean. If there’s a chance that you have impacted wisdom teeth, see your dentist right away.
You’re unsure about your wisdom teeth.
Are you not sure if you should have your wisdom teeth pulled? Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem or not, you should see your dentist for an examination. He can take x-rays to see how they are coming in and if it’s likely that you’ll need wisdom tooth removal.