Signs It's Time to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

It's estimated that 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year. In the majority of cases, this is due to impaction, a common problem with wisdom teeth. When these teeth, also called third molars, do not have enough room to properly emerge through the surface of the gums, they become trapped, or impacted. The dentists at Heritage Dental Associates in Fayetteville, Georgia have listed some of the reasons that they remove impacted wisdom teeth, typically from young adults aged 17 to 25.

When other teeth are affected

The unpredictability of impacted wisdom teeth can make them a liability to the other teeth in your mouth. They can push against neighboring molars and cause a "pile-up" by crowding teeth too close together. If you've already had braces or other dental work done by your Fayetteville dentist, this can cause a major setback.

When the sinuses become inflamed

The sinuses in the skull are in close proximity to the upper wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the sinuses, causing pain and congestion to develop. If infection is present, it can spread to the sinuses. Your Fayetteville dentist will be able to detect sinus involvement on X-rays.

When they become infected

Because wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, cleaning them properly can be difficult. If they have partially emerged, bacteria can buildup on their surfaces and cause decay to form and spread. This can cause damage to the gum tissue, surrounding teeth and even the jawbone.

Although impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause pain, there are many cases of impaction seen by your Fayetteville dentist in which pain was not a symptom. Regular checkups at Heritage Dental Associates in Fayetteville, Georgia will include x-rays that can diagnose wisdom tooth issues before they begin to affect the rest of your dental health. Contact the offices of Dr. John Kendrick and Dr. Jeffrey Kendrick for an evaluation.