Wisdom teeth can be the most tricky and frustrating of all types of teeth. If you are considering having your wisdom teeth removed as a prophylactic measure, there are several benefits to undergoing the procedure as soon as possible.
Oral Hygiene
Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it can be almost impossible to adequately clean wisdom teeth. Since they are far back in the mouth, it can be hard to brush them enough to remove all the plaque, which will eventually lead to tartar buildup. Additionally, the very back of wisdom teeth are embedded in the gum, so you cannot floss this portion of the tooth. Since wisdom teeth are more likely to decay than other teeth, the area furthest toward the back of the mouth is the most likely area where decay will occur. Plaque buildup and decay can lead to bad breath and eventually cause other problems like abscesses. Many people simply have all their wisdom teeth removed either at once or in two separate procedures to rid themselves of any future problems.
Crowding
Wisdom teeth are often problematic because they can be the cause of crowding. Many teenagers find if they do not have adequate space in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to come in, they may go through frequent, painful episodes of the teeth trying to erupt. As the wisdom teeth try to push themselves into a space that is too small, they also can leave a small flap of gum. Unfortunately, food particles and other debris can collect under the gum flap, further leading to problems. When you remove your wisdom teeth earlier, they are less likely to shift other teeth and cause obvious crowding. Generally, if you want braces in the future, you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed so there is sufficient room to reposition your other teeth.
You're Younger
The best time to have your wisdom teeth removed is when you're younger. First, younger people are more likely to have their wisdom teeth removed before they are causing painful problems like decay and infection. Additionally, the younger you are, the easier it is to have these teeth removed. As you age, the bone surrounding the wisdom teeth becomes harder, making the extraction process more challenging and painful, especially for the bottom wisdom teeth. When the bone is softer around the wisdom teeth, it may also be feasible that a general dentist can successfully remove the teeth, as opposed to needing an oral surgeon.
Having all your wisdom teeth extracted to avoid problems down the road can be one of the best dental procedures you can do. Generally, the younger you are when you have the extraction, the easier and faster it is to recover. To learn more about tooth extraction, contact a dentist.
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