Wisdom teeth have a bit of a reputation—and not the good kind. These third molars typically show up in your late teens or early twenties, long after the rest of your smile has already settled in. For some people, they come in just fine. For most, though, they only seem to cause problems—enough to have them removed! But why? Keep reading to discover the three most common reasons dentists recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
1. There’s Not Enough Room for Them
As a whole, human jaws have changed significantly over thousands of years of evolution. As brains grew in size, jaws shrank, and now most modern mouths don’t have the space to accommodate more teeth.
When wisdom teeth try to emerge without enough room, they can push against their neighbors, causing crowding, shifting, and misalignment. If you’ve ever had orthodontic work done, this can be especially frustrating because it can undo years of progress in a surprisingly short time.
2. They Get Trapped Beneath Your Gumline
When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have a clear path to erupt, it can become impacted—a condition where it gets stuck beneath your gumline or jawbone. As unpleasant as that sounds, the reality can be worse than you think.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts, damage to nearby tooth roots, and serious infections that are difficult to treat. They’re also much harder to clean, making them breeding grounds for bacteria that can affect the surrounding teeth and gums.
3. They’re Nearly Impossible to Keep Clean
Even when wisdom teeth come in without complications, they’re still at the very back of your mouth, making them difficult to brush and floss. Because of this, food and bacteria tend to collect around them, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. In fact, a study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found a high rate of later problems. The research suggests that as many as 30 to 60% of people who keep their wisdom teeth eventually develop more serious dental issues.
These are just some of the reasons most dentists recommend having wisdom teeth assessed sooner rather than later. If you’re not sure whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, talk to your dentist. They can take a look and give you peace of mind and a treatment plan to secure your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sarfraz Verjee graduated from the NYU College of Dentistry and has spent over 15 years helping patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. He’s known for his light touch and warm personality, which sets most patients at ease. Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or a wisdom tooth extraction, you’re in good hands. Call (713) 943-9993 to schedule a consultation with us or visit our website to see a full menu of other services.