Between the ages of 18 to 25, many individuals begin to notice an uncomfortable sensation in the back of the jaw. Though you may be worried that this pain could indicate a cavity or an infection, in fact, the discomfort may simply be due to your wisdom teeth coming in.
These four final adult teeth are known to cause considerable pain and sometimes more serious dental issues as they emerge. Fortunately, a dentist in Vancouver can help assess your wisdom teeth to see if they require extraction. If so, dental clinics in Vancouver are well equipped to help remove these problematic molars when necessary.
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Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure at every dental clinic in Vancouver. In the UK, 1 million wisdom tooth extractions are performed each year and in the US up to 5 million.
The surgery is done in order to correct a problem or prevent one from occurring in the future. Often, a person’s jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate this third set of molars. This can cause issues like impaction, where the teeth cannot break through the gums. This occurs in up to 66% of Canadians.
Wisdom teeth are also susceptible to cavities when they only emerge halfway and become difficult to clean. In rare cases, wisdom teeth can even emerge at odd angles, such as backwards or sideways.
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How to tell if removing your wisdom teeth is necessary
It may be possible for the teeth to come in without any problems whatsoever. However, if you are experiencing pain you may need to consider extraction. A dentist in Vancouver can help you determine what course of action to take. Here are five common signs that you might need your wisdom teeth removed.
1. Your wisdom teeth are growing incorrectly
Impacted wisdom teeth have grown incorrectly and may be taking up too much space in the mouth. Because they cannot be fixed with braces, they must be removed to prevent damage to the other teeth. You may experience a feeling of pressure in the area as the wisdom tooth crowds against existing teeth. You may also see the emerging tooth growing at an awkward angle. This problem can cause serious problems for your oral health, so look for a dental clinic in Vancouver if your tooth is impacted.
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2. You have headaches, jaw pain, or sinus problems
In some cases, the growing roots of wisdom teeth located on the upper jaw can press against the sinuses, causing headaches, nasal congestion, and shooting pains in the jaw. However, this is rare, and many other pains associated with wisdom teeth are normal and temporary. Seek the advice of a dentist in Vancouver who can help you decide whether extraction is necessary.
3. You experience difficulty chewing and eating
If the growth of your wisdom teeth is impairing your ability to eat, you may need to have them removed. Food can become lodged in the gums as the wisdom tooth emerged and can cause problems if it isn’t removed. Getting a checkup from a dentist in Vancouver can help determine if this is something that can be cleaned or if the tooth needs to be extracted.
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4. A cyst has formed near the tooth
Sometimes a cyst forms near a developing wisdom tooth. This small sac filled with liquid can actually cause damage to the teeth and the surrounding nerves and the jawbone. In very rare cases, a noncancerous tumor can develop from a cyst, and its removal may require tissue and bone to be extracted along with the tooth.
5. Cavities have developed on the wisdom teeth
Because wisdom teeth grow in a difficult-to-reach location, they are susceptible to cavities. It is important to brush diligently to prevent bacterial growth that will lead to tooth decay. If cavities form on a wisdom tooth, a dental clinic in Vancouver will likely recommend extraction instead of a filling.
Visit Smile Well Dental for more information on wisdom teeth extraction services.
