The name “wisdom teeth” puts a positive spin on third molars. However, in reality, these teeth can quickly become problematic for dental patients. That is why our Toluca Lake wisdom teeth dentists recommend that patients undergo oral health assessments before wisdom teeth have a chance to do damage.
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to emerge in a patient’s mouth. They generally don’t come in until the patient is in his or her late teens or early twenties.
The reality is that few people have enough space along their jawlines to allow wisdom teeth to fully emerge. So, instead, wisdom teeth get stuck in the bone, or they start to come in at odd and uncomfortable angles. Additionally, wisdom teeth can put pressure on your other teeth, causing your smile to become misaligned.
Our dental team has also seen, time and time again, how wisdom teeth can become prime spots for dental bacteria and plaque to accumulate. It is very difficult for patients to keep their wisdom teeth clean day to day, because the teeth are so hard to reach. As a result, patients with problematic wisdom teeth often develop hard-to-treat cavities as well as gum disease.
As your wisdom teeth first emerge, you may notice that you feel a sensation of tightness or sensitivity in the back of your jaw. Some patients also find that they develop persistent bad breath; this occurs because bacteria are colonizing around the patient’s wisdom teeth or within damaged gum tissue in the back of the smile.
Many patients will benefit from having their wisdom teeth removed before these types of problems pop up. The best way to get started is to call our Toluca Lake wisdom teeth dentist to schedule a personal consultation. We’re here to give you all of the information you need to achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.