Why Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed

Last updated 8 months ago

You may know several people who have undergone wisdom teeth extraction, but you might not know why this procedure is necessary. While wisdom teeth serve as a valuable extra set of molars, they often pose risks to the cosmetic appearance and oral hygiene of your smile. To protect your dental health and your perfectly aligned smile, consider scheduling a consultation for wisdom teeth extraction with your family dentist.

Oral Hygiene
As wisdom teeth emerge from the gums, they can cause overcrowding among your other teeth. If there is not enough spacing for your wisdom teeth, you will have a difficult time brushing, flossing, and rinsing between your teeth. Inadequate space prevents you from thoroughly cleaning your teeth and increases your chances of developing cavities and other oral health problems.

Dental Discomfort
As wisdom teeth emerge from the gums, they can cause oral pain, headaches, and even infections. Having your wisdom teeth extracted will reduce your pain and eliminate the cause. It is also important to note that as wisdom teeth develop and erupt, their roots extend further beneath your gums. The sooner your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, the better you will feel.

Tooth Alignment
In addition to the dental health problems that emerging wisdom teeth can cause, they may also force your teeth to shift out of alignment. This misalignment not only mars the appearance of your smile, but can also cause discomfort which results in bruxism, or tooth grinding. If you have had orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth can jeopardize your years of treatment. By having your wisdom teeth removed before they can affect the alignment of your teeth, you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

Schedule a wisdom teeth extraction consultation with Northern Virginia Dental Associates by calling us at (888) 862-0095. Whether you require a cosmetic dentistry procedure or an appointment with a general family dentist, our Springfield office can meet your dental needs.