The human mouth typically contains eight molars to help us grind our food before swallowing. However, a third set of molars–known as wisdom teeth–can erupt, causing more harm than good. In order to protect your oral health, a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon may need to remove them.
At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team of dedicated specialists can help you remove pesky wisdom teeth. If you or a loved one needs a wisdom tooth extraction, then contact our team now. Patients can schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW, by requesting it online here.
Not sure if you really need a wisdom tooth extraction? No problem! Our team is here to answer commonly asked questions about third molars.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are an auxiliary set of molars that our ancestors once relied upon to help them mash hard-to-digest foods. Humans today, however, have a significantly different diet compared to our ancestors. As a result, the medical and dental community widely regards these teeth as vestigial–or residual–structures that serve little purpose today.
When do third molars erupt?
Unlike other teeth, third molars typically erupt later in a patient’s life. In fact, research suggests that most wisdom teeth erupt around 17 to 26 years of age. However, it’s not uncommon for patients younger than 17 and older than 26 to develop third molars.
What are some signs that my third molars are impacted?
There are several signs that your third molars might be impacted, such as:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen and bloody gums
- Swelling and pain around the jaw
- Difficulty speaking or yawning
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then contact our team at Magic Smiles as soon as possible. The sooner we remove impacted third molars, the happier and healthier your mouth will be!
Do I really need my wisdom teeth removed?
In some cases, no. Some patients develop wisdom teeth without any issues, while others never develop them at all. However, the majority of patients who do have third molars will need them removed to prevent numerous complications, such as:
- Impacted teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Dental infections
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?
It depends. If you have wisdom teeth, but you don’t experience any pain or issues with them, then your oral health may remain the same without removing them. However, if you do experience pain and issues with your third molars, then failure to remove them can have devastating results, including:
- Prolonged pain
- Dental shifting that can negatively affect your bite alignment
- Infections that spread to the gum tissue, jawbone, or blood
Patients should have bothersome third molars removed as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage and adverse effects.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Nearly five million people require third molar extractions every year. Are you one of them? Contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today to find out!
Click here to schedule your appointment now.
