Wisdom Teeth Problems

Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, typically come in between the ages of 17 to 21. These molars are on both your upper and lower jawbones. While some people have plenty of room for their wisdom teeth or their wisdom teeth don’t erupt, most people need to have these teeth removed. 

It is often the case that there is simply not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly. When this is the case, the teeth will either not surface, become impacted, that is, they will not be able to move out of the jaw or the gum, or the teeth will grow in in the wrong position. Either of these situations can lead to serious pain and potential health risks, and should, therefore, be taken care of carefully and quickly. 

Most dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they have the opportunity to become problematic. Your wisdom teeth should be monitored by your dentist to ensure that you are receiving the right care for you. At Stephanie Murphy DDS, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive personalized care that is optimized to fit your oral healthcare needs. 

Signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed: 

• Pain 
• Impaction
• Cysts
• Misalignment and damage to the surrounding teeth
• Gum disease
• Decay 

If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed before they erupt, your dentist at Stephanie Murphy DDS will monitor you closely to ensure that you do not experience harmful side effects. Some things your dentist will watch for include: 

• Impaction: If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause potential damage to the roots of the surrounding teeth. 
• Misalignment/position of the teeth: If your wisdom teeth grow in in the wrong spot, they can have adverse effects on the alignment of the surrounding teeth and cause overcrowding. 
• Infection: Once the wisdom teeth break through the gums, they leave an opening for bacteria to enter into the gums. 
• Cavities: If your wisdom teeth aren’t in the proper position, they can create space for food to get trapped, creating a potential risk for cavities. 

Your dentist will take X-rays to see the full impact of your wisdom teeth before prescribing surgery to remove the teeth. Our highly trained dentist at Stephanie Murphy DDS will work with you closely to determine the best course of action for you. 

As with other teeth, there may be some discomfort while the wisdom teeth erupt, but if there is any pain associated with this, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Here at Stephanie Murphy DDS, our specialists are dedicated to putting your oral health first. 

If you are experiencing pain related to your wisdom teeth, don’t wait to get relief. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.