Many patients choose to have impacted wisdom teeth extracted even if they’re not symptomatic yet. This preventive step can help patients avoid the many negative oral health outcomes that are associated with impacted third molars.
Certain issues, such as a wisdom tooth abscess, can have serious implications for your oral health and your overall health. The bacteria found in an abscess, which is an infection that develops in a tooth’s root or between the gums and the root, can easily access the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This process introduces the risk of bacteremia and possibly even sepsis in rare instances, which can be fatal.
The wisdom teeth are particularly prone to such infections because their location makes it difficult to keep the area free from bacteria. Noticeable symptoms of an abscessed wisdom tooth can include pus, swelling, an odor in the area and a fever.
The wisdom teeth are particularly prone to such infections because their location makes it difficult to keep the area free from bacteria.
The treatment for a wisdom tooth abscess is extraction, and incision and drainage as the wisdom teeth typically are not necessary for modern humans. However, if an oral surgeon determines that your wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction will be recommended even before you develop such issues.
Avoiding wisdom teeth abscesses is just one reason that patients may consult with an oral surgeon about wisdom tooth extraction.
An impacted wisdom tooth can create other problems in your mouth, too. The impacted teeth will continue to attempt to emerge, which can damage surrounding teeth and push them out of their correct positions, potentially throwing the entire smile out of alignment. Wisdom teeth also may develop cysts or tumors when they are unable to erupt properly.
The timing of wisdom tooth extraction is based on other considerations, as well. For example, patients who do choose elective extraction are advised to schedule the procedure before their mid-twenties. The surgery is less complex in younger patients, who also recuperate more quickly.
Impacted wisdom teeth can have far-reaching effects for your health. If you still have your wisdom teeth, consult with our dental specialists at at ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio to see if extraction is recommended, and weigh the risks and benefits of having this procedure. Call 312-328-9000 to schedule your visit.