Wisdom Teeth: More Harm Than Good

When it comes to wisdom teeth, the buzz is often negative. In fact, wisdom teeth are known for causing more harm than good. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to emerge. Unfortunately, they often erupt incorrectly.

Lack of jaw space is usually to blame for wisdom teeth malfunction. Without proper space, these molars can grow sideways, partially erupt or get completely trapped beneath the gum line. This is referred to as an “impacted wisdom tooth.” According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth!

The Painful Trouble of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed. Why? Because they can cause the following disruptions listed by Colgate.com Oral Care Center:

• Healthy teeth can be damaged as impacted wisdom teeth push against your neighboring second molars.
• Impacted wisdom teeth often become decayed or infected because they’re hard to reach with your toothbrush.
• Bacteria around the impacted tooth can lead to gum disease and enter your bloodstream, adversely affecting your heart and other organs of your body.
• Fluid-filled cysts or tumors occasionally form around the bottom of an impacted wisdom tooth, causing damage to the jawbone, nerves in the area and nearby teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most dentists will take a proactive approach to removing wisdom teeth. These molars don’t provide any significant functional benefit. Therefore, if it looks like you may be susceptible to problems, removal will likely be recommended.

Wisdom teeth removal is a minor oral surgery that can be done in the comfort of our Liberty Lake Smile Source office. Although they can be successfully removed at any age, late adolescents or early adulthood is optimal to prevent complications caused by impaction.

To have your wisdom teeth evaluated, please schedule an appointment at our Liberty Lake clinic today. A painless and quick x-ray can reveal the status of your wisdom teeth.