If you feel pressure behind your back molars, it might be your wisdom teeth trying to poke through the surface of your gums. Considered vestigial by today’s medical standards, wisdom teeth removal may or may not be necessary, depending on your individual situation. Here are three facts you should know about wisdom teeth removal so you can decide what is best for you. 

Should You Get Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Problem Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Severe Issues 

One of the biggest problems with wisdom teeth is they don’t always erupt completely and can become trapped in the jaw, contributing to serious oral infections. Since wisdom teeth can also be shaped strangely, they are difficult to keep clean, causing issues like bad breath, cavities, and abscesses. Additionally, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if the additional teeth crowd your existing ones, causing orthodontic problems. 

Not Everyone Needs Wisdom Tooth Removal

However, some people develop wisdom teeth that erupt completely, are easy to clean, and don’t interfere with your natural bite. In these instances, wisdom teeth removal may not be necessary. In fact, in situations where adults have lost back molars, healthy wisdom teeth can act as natural tooth replacements. 

A Simple Consultation Can Help You Decide

The best way to decide whether or not you need wisdom teeth removal is to meet with a dentist who can evaluate the location, shape, and general health of your wisdom teeth. By inspecting your jaw, erupted wisdom teeth, and dental X-rays, your dentist can tell you whether or not you need to have them removed.  

Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Find out if they are causing problems by scheduling an appointment with Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. With a focus on friendliness and patient comfort, this family-oriented practice can help with everything from wisdom teeth removal and fillings to dental implants and TMJ treatment. To make the experience less intimidating to patients, they even offer oral and IV sedation. Start on the road to a healthier smile today by scheduling an appointment. For more information, call (907) 562-2820, or send them a message online.