How do you know when it’s time to have your wisdom teeth taken out? If you haven’t noticed any significant pain or discomfort radiating from the rear of your mouth, you may not have given the issue any thought.
It is very fortunate that you can turn to your oral surgeon for guidance and information about your wisdom teeth even before a problem arises. In fact, many patients never suspect that a problem is brewing beneath the gums and bone surrounding the wisdom teeth without the help of an oral surgeon.
Oral surgery is typically the treatment of choice when the wisdom teeth have been identified as impacted or partially erupted. These terms indicate that the teeth are unable to grow into place properly, and if left unaddressed, can pose a real threat to your health.
Failure to correctly diagnose and discuss the health risks of impacted wisdom teeth can ultimately result in a number of preventable consequences. Since it is virtually impossible to self-diagnose when it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, it is vital to consult your oral surgeon for advice.
Infection. A wisdom tooth that is wedged between the bone and gumline serves as a collection place for food particles and bacteria. Although foreign substances may find their way into these pockets, they almost never find their way out. Routine brushing and flossing are inadequate for cleaning these areas, and the result is a low-grade infection that can become serious seemingly overnight.
Tooth decay. The inability to properly clean the surfaces of the wisdom teeth can lead to cavities. Tooth decay may involve not only the wisdom teeth themselves, but also the neighboring teeth. If the situation is not resolved promptly, the decay can spread and become extensive enough to destroy the adjacent teeth.
Cysts and other abnormal growths. The human body has a remarkable way of surrounding and attacking things that are unwelcome. A wisdom tooth that is impacted is no exception. It is not uncommon for a cyst or fluid-filled sac to develop around the tooth, causing severe damage to the jaw bone.
Patients may never notice discomfort or any outward signals that this damage is occurring, though an oral surgeon can diagnose the condition with the help of x-ray images.
To protect your oral health against potential complications contact our office, serving Southlake Texas and surrounding areas, at 817-552-3223 and schedule your consultation today.
