Many patients delay having their wisdom teeth removed from the smile unless they become problematic. These teeth, which are the third molars and the last to develop in the smile, are notorious for becoming an issue for many patients. Our mouths are smaller than in the past, which means there is less space for four teeth to come into the smile when we are in our late teen years or young adult years. This increases the risk of impaction. At The Hills Dental Spa Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are pleased to provide wisdom tooth extraction either at the point in which a tooth has become impacted or before a problem arises.
What problems may occur if impacted wisdom teeth aren’t removed?
Below are just a few of the consequences of not removing impacted wisdom teeth before they become a serious issue:
- Infections. Impacted wisdom teeth can significantly increase the risk of possible infection. Impactions may also lead to the growth of cysts or tumors which require intensive and expensive surgeries to resolve.
- Shifting of the teeth. Patients who have had orthodontic work done to align the bite may find their teeth coming out of alignment due to impacted or erupted wisdom teeth. Removing the teeth before they erupt can keep the alignment in place.
- Chronic inflammation. Bacteria can develop around the gum tissue by the wisdom teeth, leading to inflammation. This inflammation could be a direct contributor to one’s risk of other medical issues including heart disease and diabetes.
- Damage to the jaw. Cysts that form around wisdom teeth in the jawbone can lead to complications that require surgical procedures to correct. A portion of the jaw bone may need to be removed along with the cyst to resolve the situation.
Obtain prompt treatment today!
The pain associated with an impacted wisdom tooth will not go away without treatment. If you live in the community of Austin, TX and are in need of removing a wisdom tooth, or several wisdom teeth, call the office today to book an appointment with Dr. Kevin Winters. The facility is located at 6836 Bee Cave Road, Building 1, Suite #300 and can be reached at (512) 347-0044.