When is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Contrary to what some people might think, wisdom tooth extraction isn’t an inevitable part of aging. That said, wisdom tooth removal in Vancouver is a fairly common procedure, as about one in nine Canadians will need to have at least one wisdom tooth removed by the time they reach age 30.

That means that although removing a wisdom tooth is nothing to be afraid of, it’s also important to know for sure it’s needed before you decide to have a tooth removed. Here are a few signs that you should have your tooth extracted!

Gum Disease

When gingivitis occurs at the back of your mouth, it’s a good idea to simply opt for wisdom tooth extraction because these teeth are notoriously hard to take care of. There’s not much space at all behind your wisdom teeth on your gums, which can make it hard to brush them properly. The lack of space can also crowd your other teeth, pushing them together and limiting the space that you have to properly floss them.

Gum disease has several causes, so removing wisdom teeth won’t be enough to solve the issue on its own. But if you’re feeling blood coming from the back of your mouth on a regular basis, you might want to talk to your dentist about extraction.

Pain

The only time that it’s normal to feel pain in your mouth is when your teeth are erupting for the first time, such as when you first acquired your wisdom teeth. But if all of your teeth have made their presence known, any sign of pain in your mouth requires a dental visit at the first opportunity.

If you’re feeling pain around your wisdom teeth on a consistent basis, wisdom tooth extraction in Vancouver might be the solution. Because of its location, tooth decay is very common with wisdom teeth, and if the infection spreads, you can experience toothache with a more important tooth in short order. Because wisdom teeth are unnecessary in the modern world, it’s often better to pull them if they start to cause pain rather than risk an infection jumping to other teeth.

Regular Infections

Your mouth is filled with bacteria, some of it harmful and some of it helpful. When your wisdom teeth don’t completely break through the gum line and only partially erupt, the harmful bacteria have the ideal place for them to thrive and cause an infection in your mouth. This can lead to pericoronitis, a condition where the back of your gums are infected and swollen because of a problematic tooth. Unlike gum disease, this is something that can be cleared up by removing the wisdom tooth and getting the area properly cleaned.

If your wisdom teeth come in properly and they’re not causing problems, you don’t need to worry about wisdom tooth extraction. But if you experience any of these issues, wisdom tooth removal in Vancouver is probably the right idea, and it’s important to call a dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatments!