Why do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted?

Wisdom teeth may present a problem for a variety of reasons. When they interfere with oral health or cause certain issues, your dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, may have to extract them. There are multiple reasons why this procedure may be needed.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent adult teeth to come in. There are four of them, and they are located at the very back of the teeth, behind the last molars. In fact, wisdom teeth are often referred to as third molars. It’s believed that wisdom teeth are left over from ancient times when the human jaw was larger. However, in this day and age, human jaws are much smaller, and for this reason and others, wisdom teeth are sometimes problematic.

Common Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted

The ADA reports that there are many reasons why wisdom teeth should be extracted, including:

• Interference with planned orthodontic treatment, such as when braces are going to be used to correct alignment issues
• Pain or discomfort from the existence of wisdom teeth
• Wisdom teeth causing TMJ
• Oral infection
• Nearby teeth are being damaged or pushed out of alignment
• Wisdom teeth are coming in crooked or at awkward angle
• Wisdom teeth are impacted
• Patient has gum disease
• Patient has excessive tooth decay
• There is a risk of development, or existence of tumor or cyst

What Happens With Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The procedure for the extraction of wisdom teeth depends upon whether the wisdom teeth have or have not yet come in. If they haven’t yet erupted, then there is a surgical procedure, and the patient must be anesthetized. If the wisdom teeth have already come in, the procedure is just like any other tooth extraction, where a local anesthetic is used.

If you need a wisdom tooth extraction in Scottsdale, AZ, your dentist will tell you exactly how they will proceed. In the meantime, to book an appointment, please contact us.