Have you ever wondered why some people are subjected to wisdom tooth extractions at a relatively young age, while others can go a lifetime without one? In today’s post, we’ll explain why wisdom tooth extraction can sometimes be a necessity.
North Shore Smile Surgery is Buffalo Grove’s Top Rated Local® oral surgery office. Dr. Scott Frank and his experienced oral surgery team will work to ensure that you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout your entire procedure. Are you interested in learning more about our oral surgery services? Get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment, and read on to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction!
We’ll start with the basics — what are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that begin to appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Just like your other molars, your wisdom teeth are supposed to help you chew, but this isn’t always how they actually function. Our ancient ancestors had plenty of room in their mouths for wisdom teeth (they also weren’t particularly concerned about their oral health, either), but our mouths have grown smaller and more compact over time.
You may have experienced the discomfort of having braces when you were younger, and if you did, it was likely because your mouth didn’t have enough space for all of your adult teeth. You’ve probably been enjoying having a metal-free mouth for a few years, and the last thing you want is to have to have corrective braces put on as an adult — this is one of the most common reasons why patients come to our office for wisdom tooth extractions. In addition to crowding your teeth, which can be extremely painful, wisdom teeth can also contribute to the following issues:
- Gum problems: It’s not common for wisdom teeth to come in perfectly aligned, and this means that they’re likely to only partially break through your gum line. In addition to the inflammation caused by improperly aligned wisdom teeth, bacteria growth and infections can occur when wisdom teeth create open wounds in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
- Chewing problems: If you had braces as a child, then your teeth are aligned in a way that allows you to chew your food easily and effortlessly. You don’t have to worry about an uneven bite or your teeth constantly scraping your cheeks as you chew — but you might if your wisdom teeth are allowed to push your other teeth out of alignment.
- Cavities: As we mentioned in the first point, wisdom teeth can create pockets of bacteria in the back of the mouth, and a buildup of plaque and bacteria puts your molars at risk of developing cavities.
These are just a few of the reasons why you may need to have a wisdom tooth extraction performed. If you need oral surgery in Buffalo Grove, then contact North Shore Smile Surgery today to schedule an appointment! We offer wisdom tooth extractions, bone grafting, dental implants, and so much more. We look forward to seeing you soon.
