You’ve probably heard of wisdom teeth extraction, but you might wonder why oral surgeon specialists often recommend removing those last four molars.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt in the late teens or early 20’s. Because our modern-day diets are easier on our teeth than the diets of centuries past, these extra molars have become unnecessary for chewing and can actually cause significant problems for your other teeth. Many people simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for four additional teeth, or they experience pain and crowding when the teeth fail to break through the gums fully.
The best solution is often wisdom tooth extraction, and our oral surgery specialists are experts at providing a comfortable, safe extraction process.
Why We Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If you have already gotten or will be getting your wisdom teeth in, it’s important to call our dental office for a wisdom teeth evaluation. We’ll take x-rays and determine whether your wisdom teeth could cause these problems:
Impacted or unerupted wisdom teeth – When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to erupt, it may only partially emerge or never break the surface. If the tooth stays trapped in the jawbone, it can develop a cyst that causes damage and infection to your teeth and bone. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can also attract bacteria, which puts you at risk for infection and gum disease.
Overcrowding – If a wisdom tooth does emerge through the gums, it may erupt at an angle, crowding other teeth and making orthodontics necessary. Overcrowding can also allow bacteria to thrive between crooked or overlapped teeth, putting you at risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease.
If your wisdom teeth grow in correctly and are healthy, keeping them might be fine. But if there’s a chance of future impaction or overcrowding, we may recommend wisdom teeth extraction, even if they aren’t currently causing any symptoms.
If you notice changes in your wisdom teeth or experience new pain, contact our oral surgery office right away to schedule a dental exam. Our oral surgery specialist will explain all your options and help you make the best decision about your overall oral health.
What to Expect with Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If wisdom teeth extraction is the best option for you, your procedure will be outpatient, allowing you to go home the same day.
Local anesthesia will ensure that you won’t feel any pain while we work, and you may receive an oral or IV sedative to help you relax during the procedure. The entire process only takes about 90 minutes, depending on whether you have any impacted molars.
After the wisdom teeth extraction, you should expect some soreness and swelling for two to three days. Your oral surgery specialist will give you special instructions to help you heal.
Your comfort and safety are our top priority, and our team is here to answer all your questions. Our oral surgery specialists are highly skilled in wisdom teeth extraction are committed to helping you have the best experience possible.
Contact us to schedule a wisdom teeth evaluation and exam with our oral surgery specialist. We look forward to helping you make the best decisions about your oral health and smile.