Jaw pain and irritated gums are two common signs your wisdom teeth are starting to emerge, and your dentist can take X-rays to confirm this point. If your dentist recommends having them removed once you are certain they're coming in, you should schedule the extractions sooner rather than later. Here's why. 

Why You Shouldn't Wait to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

1. Infections

Wisdom teeth are third molars located at the very back of the jaw, where it can be challenging to angle a toothbrush and floss for cleaning. As a result, food residue and bacteria can accumulate under the gum line, leading to tartar and plaque buildup that eats away at gums, causing periodontitis. You can avoid this gum infection by having your wisdom teeth removed.

2. Overcrowding

If you have a smaller mouth, there might not be enough room for wisdom teeth. When the third molars emerge, the effort to squeeze into a narrow area can affect surrounding teeth. Other teeth will shift out of place and possibly overlap to accommodate wisdom teeth. In addition to wisdom teeth removal, you'll need restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to regain proper alignment. You can avoid additional procedures by getting your wisdom teeth removed when your dentist recommends having the surgery.

3. Jawbone Fractures

Wisdom teeth can become impacted if there's not enough room for them to pierce through the gums. This means the fluid-filled sack inside the jaw where teeth form won't disappear. Instead, the sack will continue to get larger to the point the jawbone could fracture. Having wisdom teeth removed promptly causes the sack to disappear, preventing problems with your jaw.

Avoid wisdom teeth complications when you entrust your oral health care to the dentists at Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI. This dental clinic is committed to personalized service; the dentists listen to each patient's concerns and tailor a treatment plan that improves their quality of life. They provide general, restorative, cosmetic, and family dentistry services. Visit them online for a complete list of services, or call (608) 782-3102 to schedule an appointment. Find updated announcements and patient reviews on Facebook.