Cougar Dental: 835 N 700 E, Provo, UT 84606 801-373-7700
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are considered
"impacted" or unable to erupt when they have no place
to go or grow. They may grow in sideways (which can destroy
your second molar), only partially come through the gum
causing a bacteria trap resulting in recurrent infections
or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone forming a fluid
filled sac (cyst) or tumors that destroy the jaw or teeth.
Wisdom teeth can be considered not functional if they
are:
•
Badly decayed
•
Have gum disease
•
Cause pain
•
Move other teeth out of
alignment
•
Interfere with your biting.
Benefits of early removal of wisdom teeth, around the
age of 16 or 17, can help you to avoid future problems.
At a younger age:
•
Tooth roots are not fully
developed
•
The surrounding bone is
softer
•
There is less chance of
damaging nerves
•
There is less surgical
risk
•
Healing is generally faster
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