Wisdom Teeth Removal
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to begin developing in the mouth. It’s not uncommon to first start noticing them on dental x-rays when a patient is about 16 to 17 years old. Unfortunately, most young adults don’t have enough room in their mouths to properly house the wisdom teeth. This causes the teeth to become impacted, or stuck below the gums, which can cause issues with pain, inflammation, infection, and even damage to any surrounding teeth.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Removal needed?
The reason it’s important to remove your wisdom teeth as early as possible is because they can become incredibly problematic when left in place. If the teeth are impacted, they can push against the surrounding teeth, damaging the roots and causing severe overcrowding in the mouth. When a wisdom tooth is able to come up through the gums, it may only partially erupt, causing problems with inflammation and infection.
Who’s a good candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you have wisdom teeth that are impacted, or if you won’t have enough room for your current wisdom teeth to come fully through the gums, we may recommend having them removed. It’s easier and better for your oral health to remove these teeth as early on as possible to prevent any problems from developing. We can perform an exam and take x-rays to determine if you will need your wisdom teeth removed.
What happens during Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We begin with a consultation to determine if, and when, the wisdom teeth should be removed. We then discuss with you sedation and anesthetic options that are available. When you come in for the surgery, you will begin by receiving your sedation or anesthetic. The surgery itself involves making a small incision through the gums. We remove the wisdom tooth and suture the gums to promote proper and even healing. You’ll go home biting down on dry, clean gauze to stop any bleeding. The gums will naturally heal on their own in about two weeks, and we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions and a pain medication to help with any post-operative complications.
If you think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, call us today and we can get you in for a convenient appointment.
