If you have wisdom teeth, you may be wondering if you need to have them removed. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually appear when you reach your late teens or early twenties.

Some people never see their wisdom teeth present, while others have them erupt normally without any problems. However, many people who don't see an eruption have impacted wisdom teeth, which means the teeth don't have enough room to grow properly in the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems, such as pain, infection, decay, damage to nearby teeth, or cysts. Here are some benefits of extracting impacted wisdom teeth.

Preventing Infection or Decay

Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria behind them, making it hard to clean them properly. This can lead to gum disease or tooth decay, which can affect not only your wisdom teeth but also your adjacent teeth and your jawbone. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can prevent these infections and preserve your oral health.

Preventing Damage to Other Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at an angle beneath the gums toward your second molars, putting pressure on them and causing them to shift or crack. This can affect your bite alignment and make it harder to chew or speak. Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent this damage and protect your other teeth from further complications.

Alleviating or Lessening Pain in Your Face and Mouth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant oral and facial discomfort, especially if they are inflamed or infected. You may experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or difficulty opening your mouth. Removing the teeth can relieve this pain.

Solving Issues With Bad Breath

Partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath due to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria in the flaps of gum tissue. This can affect your confidence and social interactions. Removing your wisdom teeth allows the gums to heal properly, eliminating the flaps of tissue and the source of the halitosis. It also makes cleaning the remaining back teeth easier.

Reducing the Frequency of Headaches

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches due to the pressure they exert on the nerves and blood vessels of the soft tissues, along with the jawbone. With little room to grow, the teeth may grow in directions under the gums that cause them to press on tissue, causing head pain. Having your wisdom teeth removed can reduce this pressure and lower the frequency of related headaches.

Contact your dentist for more information about wisdom teeth removal.