Some people believe that the extraction of wisdom teeth is a natural part of aging. However, dentists usually prescribe removals for specific reasons.

Here are a few reasons why your dentist may suggest the removal of your wisdom teeth. 

Crowding

If your oral cavity is too small to accommodate all of your teeth, the alignment of your teeth may suffer. Crowding occurs when the teeth have too little space to present in a straight configuration. The teeth, instead, may appear stacked on top of each other like dominos.

Even if orthodontic treatment is recommended to correct the misalignment, the treatment may still require the removal of several teeth to allow enough room in the mouth for the repositioning of the teeth.

Since the wisdom teeth are third molars, lying at the very rear of the oral cavity, they are not necessary for proper mastication or the pronunciation of words. Thus, they can be removed without causing any health concerns.

Dental Decay

Decay occurs when acids in the mouth dissolve the minerals that make up the tooth enamel. The dissolution causes holes to form in the teeth.

The oral bacteria in plaque produce much of the decay-causing acid. The microbes release acidic waste after feeding on simple carbohydrates left in the mouth after meals and snacks.

Nevertheless, when plaque is cleared from the oral surfaces, the acid in the mouth is reduced, and the incidence of decay declines. Consequently, the proper cleaning of the teeth is an important contributor to your oral health.

The wisdom teeth are made of the same tooth material as the other teeth in the mouth. However, due to their position in the mouth, they are difficult to clean properly and are apt to decay.

The removal of wisdom teeth can help prevent unnecessary decay and even protect nearby teeth from cavities. Decay can spread from one tooth to another.

Poor Positioning

Some wisdom teeth are not properly aligned and may have trouble erupting. If a wisdom tooth is positioned in a sideways manner, it may stay beneath the gums as it grows. Additionally, it may cause increased discomfort and force other teeth from their proper positions.

If X-rays suggest that a wisdom tooth is unable to breach the gums, the dentist may perform a surgical extraction. Unlike a simple extraction, a surgical extraction involves making an incision in the gums.

To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.