Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth begin to erupt from ages 17-25. Usually, no one notices wisdom teeth until they begin to hurt.
Perplexed people with new wisdom teeth that are uncomfortable will have questions for a dentist. Here are some considerations.

If the wisdom teeth are healthy and present no problem with space, the teeth need not be removed. However, most of us have space for only about 28 teeth in our mouths. Anything more than that may present crowded conditions. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that 85 percent of people eventually require wisdom teeth removal. Teeth trapped in the gum under other teeth or bone are especially problematical. These are called impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth removal may be required for the following symptoms:
Headache or Jaw Ache
Headaches or jaw pain may be indicative of impacted wisdom teeth pushing against jaw bone.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the body is fighting an infection. The gum over the wisdom teeth may have infection or the teeth themselves may be infected.

Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Pain and stiffness in the hinge of the jaw could indicate infection in the posterior area of the mouth where wisdom teeth erupt.

If any of these discomforts arise, please make a dental appointment with a Uptown Charlotte dentist today to have the new teeth examined and X-rayed. X-rays will determine whether the teeth are damaged or impacted and harming other teeth. Our skilled Uptown Charlotte dentist will then determine the exact location of the teeth and advise the best strategy for the wisdom teeth surgery, as symptomatic cases usually require removal. Occasionally, impacted wisdom teeth do not require wisdom teeth surgery, as they are not pressing against other teeth or bone, and show no indications of future distresses.

Pain in the jaw or gum can indicate impacted wisdom teeth. These may need to be checked, and if impacted or infected, removed. A Uptown Charlotte dentist can examine the teeth, X-ray them, and determine the best course of action for you.

Tooth extractions can be a slightly uncomfortable and necessary experience at a local cosmetic dentist office. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, your dentist might find that an extraction is needed to maximize your health. Teeth removal can occur for a variety of reasons. You may not always be able to control the reasons behind the removal. Extractions don’t always cause pain. In fact, modern dentistry has removed most of the pain and discomfort associated with extractions.

Visit a local dentist if you think you might need an extraction. An examination of your teeth might reveal the need for an extraction for the following reasons.

1. Decay

The most common cause for an extraction is decay. Some cavities are so bad that they can’t be filled or saved any other way. The entire tooth must come out for the health of the rest of the mouth. Some people are more susceptible to tooth decay than others. It may not be enough to brush and floss. Regular dental visits can help you keep your mouth healthy, but you might also find out that your teeth need to be removed due to decay.

2. Crowding

Crowding is a common problem when children get their adult teeth. Some of the baby teeth might stubbornly prevent the adult teeth from growing in correctly. Teeth removal would be necessary in this case to ensure the future health of the child’s mouth. The adult teeth must grow in correctly so that the child develops a strong, straight smile. Once the adult tooth grows in after the baby tooth is extracted, braces may become necessary. If the dentist suspects the child’s teeth are crowding, then a removal might be required.

3. Damage

A cosmetic dentist can only do so much to repair damaged teeth. Tooth extractions often occur for people who suffered damage to their teeth. Injuries from sports, fights, car accidents, and other incidents can make extraction necessary. Damaged teeth often need to be removed from the gums. They can cause additional damage and infections if they aren’t promptly removed. Tooth extractions can help the rest of your teeth avoid further damage.

If you suspect you need teeth removal, contact a local cosmetic dentist today. The office can help you create an appointment that fits your needs and your schedule. Don’t delay with your need for a tooth to be extracted. It’s much better to have these teeth taken care of as soon as possible.