When Is a Good Time to Extract a Wisdom Tooth?

The most commonly known thing about wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) is that they tend to cause more problems than any other teeth. That’s because, unlike with other permanent teeth, third molars don’t always have enough room to develop and erupt properly. This leads to wisdom tooth impaction, and for many patients in El Paso, it can become a significant threat to the rest of their oral health. To help you alleviate the discomfort and avoid future problems, or to help you prevent complications from developing at all, your dentist might suggest that it’s time to extract your wisdom tooth.

When you start to feel discomfort

When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it may be impeded by a nearby molar or the surrounding jawbone structure. In either case, the impaction will cause increasingly more severe discomfort, making it more obvious that a problem exists. If you experience pain and discomfort around the area where your wisdom teeth grow, then you should schedule a visit with your dentist. A comprehensive exam (including the capture of digital X-rays) can help determine if you need to extract one or more wisdom teeth as soon as possible.

When they first start growing in

Because wisdom teeth so frequently lead to trouble, many patients consider extracting theirs as soon as they develop, before they have time to become impacted. While some patients may never experience wisdom tooth trouble, the third molars are not necessary for your bite to function properly. Therefore, extracting them before they cause trouble will not lead to any adverse effects for your bite and overall oral health. However, it can help you avoid some of the more intense symptoms of wisdom tooth impaction.

Find out when it’s best to extract wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth aren’t always problematic, but extracting them is something that most patients can benefit from in the long run. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.