When is remove wisdom teeth recommended?
When wisdom teeth start to erupt, your dentist will examine your oral cavity with a series of diagnostic tests such as CT scan or an x-ray to see if the teeth will cause issues in your mouth. Wisdom teeth removal will be recommended if:
- Your jawbone is very small to accommodate the incoming teeth
- The wisdom teeth erupt in a crooked orientation
- It doesn't look like one or more wisdom teeth will erupt
What if I leave my impacted wisdom teeth in?
Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed as they can evolve into the following three scenarios.
Permanent damage to the adjacent teeth:
An impacted wisdom tooth is pushed up tightly against the second molars which are adjacent to them, that they create a space which is impossible to keep free of food debris and bacteria.
The accumulation of bacteria and food debris can cause chronic inflammation leading to decay and gum disease that can damage both the teeth.
Increased risk of jaw bone fracture:
The impacted wisdom teeth can increase the risk of jaw bone fracture which may occur following minor knocks.
Usually, wisdom teeth occupy the area where the jawbone is dense. Impacted wisdom teeth can reduce the volume of the bone in the area which can substantially weaken the jaw.
Opting for wisdom teeth removal at an early age by a surgical specialist can help save your jawbone. Besides, your dentist can also help restore the strength of your jaw bone with bone grafting to minimise the risk of jaw fracture.
Risk of other complications:
Impacted wisdom teeth that are completely grown are more complicated to remove when compared to the teeth that have only partially formed.
Fully grown wisdom teeth can become encased within the jawbone with its root growing down and around some important nerves that run through the jaw. In such cases, the wisdom teeth removal requires a considerable amount of the jawbone covering the teeth to be removed to extract the tooth from around the nerves safely. Chances are high you might also need bone grafting to recreate the strength of your jawbone.
Add to the money spent:
The wisdom teeth removal cost Sydney is affordable. However, it depends on the complication of your case. When the procedure goes more complicated requiring additional treatments as the teeth fully grow and wrap around major nerves, you will end up spending more than the actual amount.
Hence it is not a wise idea to have your impacted wisdom teeth in your mouth for a long time. Get them out for a healthy smile!