Wisdom teeth removal is extremely common in the US. In fact, around 85% of all US adults have their wisdom teeth extracted in order to preserve their oral health. Whether you’re an adult who still has your wisdom teeth, or if your wisdom teeth are just growing in, you may be curious about what wisdom teeth do, and why they usually need to be removed.
Here at Honest Teeth, we deal with wisdom teeth regularly and can answer the common questions that you may have!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The term “wisdom teeth” refers to the third and final set of molars in the mouth. These molars erupt much later than the rest of your adult teeth, and typically don’t fully erupt until your late teens or early twenties.
Your wisdom teeth are natural and, when properly aligned, are not harmful. They function as a normal set of molars, and help you to chew your food. However, this is not usually the case.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Usually Removed?
Most of the time, wisdom teeth don’t erupt correctly. Your wisdom teeth may be positioned horizontally, “crowd out” your other teeth, or have an angle that can damage adjacent teeth.
When they’re not removed, malpositioned wisdom teeth can cause:
Teeth shifting
Nerve pain and damage
Bite misalignment
Infection
Jaw stiffness
If those seem like an issue it’s because they are! For most people, removing the wisdom teeth is the best way to ensure these problems are avoided.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
To answer this question, you’ll need to consult a dentist such as Dr. Max Meinerz. By taking X-rays of your head and mouth, analyzing the positioning of your teeth and your wisdom teeth, and examining your overall level of oral health, an experienced doctor like Dr. Meinerz can help you to decide whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth.
For some people, wisdom teeth will grow in normally, and the existing teeth will be able to accommodate them without excessive shifting. Other people have wisdom teeth that don’t erupt at all, so they will not require tooth extractions.
However, only an experienced dentist can provide you with the advice you need to decide whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth. Dr Max Meinerz and his team have years of experience and guidance to help you make the right decision regarding your wisdom teeth.
Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted in Elm Grove? Come to Honest Teeth Dentistry Now!
Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures, and the team at Honest teeth can make a consultation or operation both safe and accessible.
With a focus on patient comfort, minimally-invasive techniques, and available conscious sedation dentistry, we cater to patients who may be afraid of tooth extractions, and provide expert patient care. We’ll give honest evaluations and work with you to make the best decision regarding your wisdom teeth.
So, if your wisdom teeth are arriving and you need expert advice, don’t wait! Contact Honest Teeth online or give us a call at (262) 784-7770 to book an appointment with Dr. Meinerz. You can also come to our office, which is located at: 15255 Watertown Plank Road Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122. We look forward to seeing you!