Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties, and while they can be beneficial, they often cause problems that require treatment from your oral surgeon in Alexandria and Vienna. At Drs. Delgado and Kuzmik, we have a full staff of amazing oral surgeons that can help you when your wisdom teeth cause problems that need treatment. Don’t be at risk for crowding, impaction, infections, cysts, and damage to surrounding teeth, if you need help with your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with our oral surgeons today.

Human evolution has played a significant role in the development of wisdom teeth. Our ancient ancestors had larger jaws and needed the extra molars to help grind tough foods. Over time, as our diets changed and our jaws became smaller, we no longer needed the extra molars to help us out. This is why you will often hear someone just “doesn’t have space” for their wisdom teeth to come in, and they will cause further dental issues if they grow without intervention.

Here are some of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth:

Crowding and impaction:

Wisdom teeth can cause crowding in the mouth, which can lead to problems with the alignment of the teeth. In some cases, the teeth may become impacted. Impaction means that the teeth have not fully emerged from the gum line.

Infections and Inflammation

Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, especially if they are already crowding the teeth in the mouth. This, along with their location can make them difficult to clean. When it’s difficult to clean teeth, bacteria can develop, causing further infections and inflammation.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

When wisdom teeth push in without having so much space, they can push against adjacent teeth. Pushing those teeth out of position can cause damage not only to the existing tooth but also to the wisdom tooth. This movement can even cause decay.

Cysts and Tumors

In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause the development of cysts and tumors in the jawbone. These are particularly painful and can require surgical removal.

What Can I Do if My Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Problems?

There are several treatment options available if you’re having problems with wisdom teeth. One of the most common is watchful waiting. If your wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, the oral surgeon may recommend monitoring them for changes over time. However, if they are

causing problems, your oral surgeon may recommend treatments.

If wisdom teeth are causing problems, the dentist may recommend extraction. This is typically done by your oral surgeon in Alexandria and Vienna and can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted or have developed cysts or tumors, a more major extraction called oral surgery will be performed in our office by our oral surgeons in Alexandria and Vienna.

Wisdom teeth removal often results in great relief! This extraction also helps to prevent future dental problems, particularly if you follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for aftercare. There are some risks, including bleeding, infection, and nerve damage if you do not follow their instructions.

Oral surgeons, especially our oral surgeons at Drs. Delgado and Kuzmik are specially trained to perform wisdom teeth extractions and other oral surgeries. They undergo extensive training in dental surgery, anesthesia, and pain management. They have the expertise and experience to perform these procedures safely and effectively, with a lower risk of complications. Studies have shown that oral surgeons have higher success rates and lower complication rates for wisdom teeth extractions compared to general dentists.

While wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems such as impaction, infections, cysts, and damage to surrounding teeth, not all need to be removed. However, the majority will require extraction by a qualified oral surgeon in Alexandria and Vienna. If you have problems with your wisdom teeth, schedule your consultation with our office today.