Wisdom teeth are sneaky. Hiding at the back of your mouth, they can go years without causing any trouble. But for most people between the ages of 15 and 25, this is the time where that’s likely to change. If you are a busy student or working professional in the Toronto and Etobicoke area, chances are you are not thinking that much about your wisdom teeth. This means, if you are not careful, problems can creep up on you and cause some serious complications with your oral health.
Signs it Might Be Time to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
If you still have your wisdom teeth, the fact that nothing has gone wrong so far does not mean you are in the clear. Many people go most of their early life without needing to have their wisdom teeth removed. But this also means you need to be extra vigilant for signs of problems, which become more and more likely over time. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
Pain
Chronic infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
Tumors
Damage to nearby teeth
Gum disease
Extensive tooth decay
Potential Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth might seem like a problem which can wait, but that can make dealing with it all the more complex and painful in the future. Here are some of the problems that wisdom teeth can cause:
An erupting wisdom tooth can grow from the jaw horizontally rather than vertically, causing it not to emerge properly.
If the wisdom teeth fail to emerge from the gums, they can be trapped or impacted, which puts you at risk of cysts or infection causing damage to the roots of other teeth or the jaw itself.
If the wisdom teeth partially emerge and then stop, this creates an exposed cavity in the gums which may be easily missed when brushing. This makes it a vulnerable spot for bacteria buildup and can lead to oral infection.
Wisdom teeth can also crowd your other teeth, pushing them from where they are supposed to be and weakening their roots. If not acted upon quickly, this can cause significant issues for your oral health, which can take a lot of time and money to correct.
Consult a Dentist about Wisdom Teeth Removal No matter what, the best way to know whether or not it is time to get your wisdom teeth removed is to consult your dentist. Online surveys can be helpful but ultimately it is always better to make an informed decision based on the advice of a professional, who is familiar with your medical history. If you live in the Toronto or Etobicoke area and need dental advice concerning your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with East Mall Family Dental. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms listed above, we can schedule an emergency appointment to get you in as quickly as possible. Ask for more information online on tooth extraction in the Etobicoke, Toronto area. Give us a call at 416-621-2550 today to book your appointment.