Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, represent a common developmental milestone in dental growth, typically emerging in the late teenage years or early adulthood. These teeth are the final set of molars most people get. However, due to evolutionary changes in the human jaw size and diet, there often is not enough space at the back of the mouth for these teeth to emerge properly. This lack of space can lead to a variety of dental issues, prompting many to consider wisdom teeth extraction as a preventive or corrective measure.
Wisdom teeth that do not have sufficient room to grow may become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge through the gums. They can also grow at incorrect angles, potentially causing damage to adjacent teeth, disturbing natural tooth alignment or negating the effects of previous orthodontic treatment. The complications associated with improperly emerged wisdom teeth include:
- Disturbance of natural tooth alignment or orthodontic treatments: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing misalignment.
- Damage to neighboring teeth: They can lead to crowding or damage to adjacent teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.
- Tooth decay and gum disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Infection and inflammation: The difficulty in cleaning impacted wisdom teeth can result in infections and inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue.
- Cyst formation: Cysts can form around untreated wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
- Jawbone damage: Impacted teeth can lead to bone loss or contribute to other jawbone issues.
Considering these risks, Dr. Raymond del Castillo often recommends the removal of wisdom teeth. This recommendation comes after a thorough evaluation, which includes assessing the positioning of your teeth and wisdom teeth through dental X-rays and examinations. The goal of wisdom teeth removal is not only to address current dental problems but also to prevent future issues that could compromise oral health.
The process of wisdom teeth removal is carried out with the aim of making the experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Modern dental techniques and anesthesia options have significantly improved the procedure, reducing discomfort and promoting quicker recovery times.
We invite you to contact Minorca Smiles at 305-443-4713 today to schedule your consultation with our experienced dentist and learn if wisdom teeth removal in Coral Gables, Florida, is right for you. We are committed to helping you maintain a healthy mouth and smile and to preventing dental complications.