Dental extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons. The most common reason is tooth decay that has destroyed too much structure to be restored. Other indications include the removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth and, in some cases, creating space for orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of your mouth. Most people have four (one in each corner of the jaw), though not everyone does. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If a wisdom tooth remains trapped in the jawbone, usually due to a lack of space, it is considered impacted and needs to be removed. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
If an X-ray reveals that your wisdom teeth are developing without sufficient space, your dentist can determine the optimal time for their removal. Often, patients only become aware of their wisdom teeth when they experience symptoms like gum pain or swelling. The ideal age for extraction varies, and your dentist will make a recommendation based on your specific case. In some instances, wisdom teeth are also removed as part of orthodontic treatment planning.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed; it depends on the dental situation of each individual patient. Wisdom teeth typically do not need to be removed if they’re healthy, have grown in completely (meaning they’re fully erupted), are positioned correctly and bite properly with their opposing teeth, and can be cleaned and flossed effectively as part of daily hygiene.
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