Third molars, or the famous wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent teeth we get. They usually erupt between the ages of seventeen to twenty-one or after.

Not everyone has wisdom teeth; some people only get a pair of them. Third molars can take years to come out, and not every mouth has space for them. Most people choose to extract them; though this is not mandatory, it’s preferable. 

However, there are cases where dentists recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. The extraction process can be painful and cause great discomfort during the first two to three days after. With a bland diet, rest, and over-the-counter painkillers, you should be fine; it’s a nice opportunity to catch up with that TV show you’ve been meaning to watch.

But if it’s not necessary to remove wisdom teeth, why is it recommended? Some people think the fact that we get third molars means we need them, and that’s not true. We do not use third molars to chew or anything else. 

The problem with wisdom teeth is that since they can take so long to come out, they elevate the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Why? Keep reading.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

The term ‘impacted’ when we refer to teeth does not imply trauma. It means a tooth that is unable to erupt in time or in an adequate position. When this happens, the risk of gum disease, cavities, and poor general oral health increases.

Soft tissues form around the unerupted teeth, but when it doesn’t come out, the tissues tend to harden, creating perfect hideouts for bacteria and food particles. Complex infections, severe pain, and bone loss are likely consequences.

The specialists divide impacted wisdom teeth into classifications. Some classifications have similar consequences, and some imply serious conditions. As a rule of thumb, impacted teeth represent a dental issue.

Meso-Angular and Disto-Angular Impactions

In these cases, the molar comes out partially and is angled towards the next tooth. This is the most common class of impacted wisdom teeth.

Horizontal and Vertical Impactions

With the second type of impaction, the molar is in the correct position but sits under the gum. It’s rare to need extraction from cases of vertically impacted teeth.

A horizontal impaction refers to cases where the molar is lying horizontally below the gum. Wisdom teeth ins this position press against the next tooth, causing pain. This type of impaction requires surgical extraction.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth to Be Extracted?

Not every class of impacted teeth is like vertical cases. Some cause other severe conditions. Though nowadays, dental surgeons and dentists generally don’t recommend wisdom teeth extractions in cases like horizontal impactions.

The reason to extract wisdom teeth is often related to infections produced by the accumulation of bacteria around the molar. This accumulation happens because impacted teeth create a surface too hard to clean correctly.

When gum disease develops, your dentist will have to intervene whether you need gum flap surgery or non-surgical treatment. The second option, non-surgical treatment, consists of professional cleaning sessions to eliminate tartar from under your gums.

Flap surgery is a procedure in which a periodontist must fix the loose gum tissue in your mouth. Having gum flaps is serious since your gum has to protect the root of your teeth, and when it is loose, bacteria grows below.

Dentigerous cysts are another cause of wisdom teeth extractions. A dentigerous cyst is a sac filled with fluid. The existence of a cyst does not imply an infection, but it’s common to have infected cysts. A dentist can surgically remove small buildups or cysts, but bigger ones need drainage treatment along with extraction.

Can I Get Braces With Wisdom Teeth?

People with erupted wisdom teeth often wonder whether they will have their molars removed or if they can have orthodontic braces. Remember, wisdom teeth removal is not the best treatment course for every person.

If you are a patient with impacted wisdom teeth unless your third molars are vertically impacted, you can keep them, and they will not interfere with your alignment treatment plan. In lots of cases, wisdom teeth are left without brackets.

But some patients get brackets for their wisdom teeth. In certain circumstances, orthodontists can save an impacted tooth thanks to conventional braces; the same could happen if you were to seek treatment with Invisalign Issaquah. Creating space for the impacted tooth is an option, as well as forcing the tooth to sit in the correct position. Not everyone has enough room in their jaws for this, however.

Can Orthodontists Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The realm of orthodontics and orthodontists focuses on teeth alignment, malocclusion problems, and spacing issues on the jaws. Their work is more related to bones (teeth) and structure.

Dentists, on the other hand, treat oral health from a different angle, more related to curing and preventing gum disease, cavities, etc. So dental surgeons are the ones who should perform extractions.

An orthodontic surgeon is not the same as a periodontist or an oral surgeon. Each of these professionals has a discipline. A good orthodontist in Issaquah will never overstep their professional boundaries.

Best Orthodontist Near Me – Egger Orthodontics in Issaquah, WA

Dr. Nadine Egger is prepared to help straighten your teeth whether you have impacted wisdom teeth or not.

If you want to align your teeth but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces, don’t worry, Egger Orthodontics has Invisalign treatment in Issaquah. Patients with wisdom teeth can be candidates for Invisalign clear aligners.

Meet the best orthodontic care office near you.