Why Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Not everyone needs wisdom tooth extractions. But in some cases, Dr. Kory Kirkegaard may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth extracted to protect your oral health. Why? In this blog from The Art of Dentistry, we’ll be taking a look at a few of the complications that may require you to get wisdom teeth extractions in Overland Park.
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1. You Don’t Have Enough Room In Your Mouth For More Teeth

This is one of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction. Most people just don’t have enough room in their mouths to accommodate a new set of four molars. This can cause problems with your jaw health and bite alignment.

This is especially true if you’ve had orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign when you were younger. If this is the case, Dr. Kirkegaard will typically recommend wisdom teeth removal. 
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2. One Or More Of Your Wisdom Teeth Haven’t Fully Erupted

This is another common problem with wisdom teeth. In some cases, they may not erupt all the way or be partially stuck in your gums. This is known as “impaction.” Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, discomfort, and damage to surrounding teeth.

Another common, related issue is the formation of an “operculum.” This is a flap of gum tissue that may hang loosely around the impacted tooth and partially cover it up. It’s easy for food, bacteria, and other debris to get trapped behind this gum flap, which can lead to a higher risk of oral infection.
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3. Development Of Dentigerous Cysts

Dentigerous cysts can sometimes develop over unerupted or partially-erupted wisdom teeth. These fluid-filled sacs won’t go away on their own and may get bigger over time. Eventually, they can lead to a higher risk of infections, jaw damage, or even the formation of a benign jaw tumor called an “ameloblastoma.”

If Dr. Kirkegaard notices the development of a dentigerous cyst, he will typically recommend that you have it drained and removed, and extraction of the underlying wisdom tooth may also be necessary to prevent the cyst from recurring.
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4. Higher Risk Of Cavities And Oral Infections

If you don’t have enough space in your mouth for your new wisdom teeth, they can also cause other oral health complications, like a higher risk of cavities and oral infections. It can be difficult to clean thoroughly around your rear teeth, especially if your wisdom teeth are impacted.

This can result in a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections near your wisdom teeth. Extracting the wisdom teeth makes it easier to care for your mouth, and will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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Contact The Art of Dentistry For Wisdom Tooth Extractions In Overland Park!

If you’re in pain and think that you may need your wisdom teeth to be extracted, Dr. Kirkegaard is here to help. As a conservative dentist, he will only recommend wisdom tooth extractions if he truly believes it's necessary. So don’t wait. Get the help you need from our dental office in Overland Park. You can contact us online or give us a call at 913-274-9200 to get started and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirkegaard right away.