Whether your wisdom teeth (third molars) need to be extracted depends on several factors. Dr. May will carefully evaluate these during your examination at May Dentistry. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many patients benefit from extraction for various reasons.
Why We Might Recommend Extracting Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and because they're the last teeth to develop, there frequently isn't enough space in the jaw to accommodate them adequately. When wisdom teeth can't fully emerge or grow at awkward angles, they become "impacted." Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or, in more severe cases, cysts and tumors.
Even fully emerged wisdom teeth may be problematic if they're difficult to clean. Their location at the back of the mouth often makes proper brushing and flossing challenging, making them susceptible to decay and contributing to gum disease.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Right for You?
During your consultation, Dr. May will thoroughly examine your mouth and take x-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if extraction would benefit your oral health. We consider factors such as your age, current symptoms, potential future complications, and overall dental condition.
Many patients choose preventive wisdom teeth extraction before problems develop, especially young adults whose healing capacity is optimal. However, if your wisdom teeth have emerged properly, aren't causing pain, and don't threaten your oral health, extraction may not be necessary.
Rest assured that Dr. May will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and discuss all options to ensure the best outcome for your dental health.
You can book an evaluation with Dr. May to learn more about tooth extraction in North Palm Beach by calling our team at (561) 844-8653.
