Wisdom teeth can cause serious problems. This is why we recommend that many patients take out these teeth before they can lead to a lifetime of oral health issues.

The reason your third molars can be so difficult to deal with is simple. Most people’s mouths are not large enough for these teeth to come in cleanly. When that happens, their wisdom teeth can become impacted.

If you or someone you love could benefit from having these teeth extracted, we welcome you to visit Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry. Call 253-999-9419 to make an appointment at our Puyallup, WA dentist office.

Being Proactive Pays Off

Wisdom teeth usually erupt in your late teens or early 20s. With regular dental exams, our dental professionals can monitor these teeth as they are developing and preparing to emerge.

When you make regular dental care part of your routine, we are more likely to identify potential problems before they begin affecting you. If your wisdom teeth can’t fully erupt, they become impacted. When this happens, you may notice changes in your bite, an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, infections, facial swelling, and/or pain.

We want you to avoid these problems. Since your wisdom teeth are a vestigial part (much like your tonsils or your appendix), you can remove them without affecting your long-term quality of life. In fact, taking out these teeth is often better for your oral health.

Act Sooner, Not Later

When you get regular dental checkups, we have the opportunity to monitor changes in your mouth with digital X-rays. We can track changes in your smile, including the emergence of your wisdom teeth. Many times, this means we can plan to take your teeth out before you experience the bad consequences that can occur.

The crowns of these teeth develop first. As the root begins to form, it pushes the crown toward the gumline. Because the roots are not fully formed at this stage, it’s easier to take out these teeth. This also makes it easier to recover after your tooth extraction.

When you wait to take out these teeth, you may notice recurring problems. Frequent decay can be more than an annoyance. Getting a filling is not too bad, but it becomes a more difficult procedure when the tooth in question is further back in your mouth.

By the time you are in your 30s or 40s, your roots are fully formed. This anchors your teeth in your jawbone, which in most cases would be a good thing. However, more force is needed to remove a tooth at that stage. As a result, you will need more time to get back to feeling like yourself.

Spare Yourself From Trouble

If you need your wisdom teeth taken out, our team wants to make the process as easy as it can be. By doing this when you are (or your loved one is) relatively young, you can recover quicker and avoid the potentially painful consequences of impacted molars.

Call Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry at 253-999-9419 or contact us online to request an appointment. Find out if taking out wisdom teeth could be beneficial for you or someone you care about.