Most people get their wisdom teeth when they are between 17 and 25, several years after the other adult teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth sometimes pushes the rear molars out of place so they become misaligned.

Having your wisdom teeth removed prevents overcrowding. Some dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they can cause serious misalignment that requires orthodontic treatment to repair.

All young adults should have regular dental check-ups to check that their wisdom teeth don’t contribute to overcrowding in the rear part of their mouth. Your dentist can let you know if wisdom teeth extraction would be a good option for you.

Many people struggle to clean their wisdom teeth thoroughly. When teeth are only partially erupted, it can be impossible to brush the entire tooth surface to prevent the build-up of dental plaque and tartar. If your wisdom teeth and molars are very tightly packed together, you might also find it difficult to slide floss between the teeth.

Over the years, the inability to clean teeth thoroughly can lead to dental decay. One benefit of wisdom teeth removal is that it is much easier to keep teeth clean to reduce the risk of cavities.

Wisdom teeth commonly come through at an angle. Wisdom teeth that are turned outwards can lead to you accidentally biting your cheeks while chewing, while teeth that point inwards can scratch the sides of the tongue.

If your emerging wisdom teeth cause ulcers, injuries or pain in your cheeks or tongue, talk to your dentist. Removing your wisdom teeth is one option to reduce oral injuries. Another option is for your dentist to remove the crown of the teeth but leave the roots in place. This procedure is called a coronectomy.

Wisdom teeth are described as impacted if they fail to erupt from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth might not cause a problem at first, but over the years they can gradually rot and contribute to gum disease. Getting your wisdom teeth removed when you are young means they cannot become impacted and therefore cannot contribute to gum disease in later life.

If you struggle with headaches, you might not immediately think that your teeth are the root cause. However, overcrowding in the back of the mouth can increase pressure that radiates up through the jaw and causes headaches.

If you have headaches that your doctor cannot explain, it might be time to consult a dentist instead. Ask whether overcrowding could be responsible for the pain you feel. Your dentist will examine your molars and wisdom teeth and let you know whether extraction could be the solution you've been seeking.

Whether or not to have your wisdom teeth removed is a very personal decision. You need a dentist you can trust to advise you about the benefits you as an individual can gain from wisdom teeth removal.

When you come to Runcorn Dental, we will use our combined experience of more than 25 years to let you know what wisdom teeth removal will mean for you. Do not hesitate to ask questions to get the information you need to decide whether wisdom teeth extraction is the right treatment option for you.