A Wise Answer: Extraction is the Best Solution to Problematic Wisdom Teeth

One of the more common dental issues that people face is wisdom teeth. Whether impacted or fully exposed, wisdom teeth are something that most people do not want to deal with. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties.

These teeth can be beneficial when they are healthy and properly aligned, however, they are more often misaligned and would need to be extracted. When they are misaligned, they can grow horizontally and push towards the second molars. Misaligned wisdom teeth can crowding of teeth and ultimately cause damage to adjacent teeth, nerves and the jawbone.

When wisdom teeth are not fully exposed, dentists refer to them as impacted wisdom teeth. They are often buried under the soft tissue or the jawbone and only partially erupted. Partially erupted wisdom teeth pose a more serious problem as they allow bacteria to enter around the teeth and cause infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth are also prone to decay and can cause gum disease because they usually do not get properly cleaned due to their hard-to-reach locations and irregular positions. Brushing and flossing around impacted wisdom teeth are exceptionally difficult. Impacted wisdom tooth that is not extracted can potentially lead to serious infections like dental abscess and also lead to other general health issues.

When you are having dental problems caused by wisdom teeth, then perhaps it is time to consider the best solution: extraction. Modern dentistry has made tooth extraction easier and pain-free.

When a wisdom tooth is affecting your overall dental health, a qualified and experienced dentist like Dr. Todd Lawson at Smiles of Bellevue, WA, will recommend extraction as the solution. The family dentists in Smiles of Bellevue offer comprehensive dental care that includes wisdom teeth extraction, maintenance and aesthetic care. Contact us today to book an appointment.