Wisdom Teeth Removal
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Most often, wisdom teeth begin to develop around the age of 18. If you have enough room for these third molars to come in, they’ll simply come up through the gums and become a part of your smile. Unfortunately, when there isn’t enough room for these wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they’ll become impacted. At this point, it is recommended that they be extracted during a procedure known as wisdom tooth removal.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Removal needed?
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you may feel that they aren’t a problem and won’t become an issue over time. However, impacted wisdom teeth can eventually get larger, causing pain, discomfort, swelling and even infection. The wisdom teeth can even decay below the surface of the gums, causing an abscess to form. These teeth can push against surrounding teeth, causing overcrowding and even damage to the second molars.
Who is a candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The pain and discomfort associated with wisdom teeth may come and go. You might be in severe pain one week, only for the pain to just as mysteriously disappear the next. Some common signs to look for concerning wisdom teeth include:
- Pain and tenderness that isn’t specific to one single tooth
- Pain to surrounding teeth
- Gum inflammation and infection
- Bad breath
- Headaches and recurrent earaches
What happens during Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We start the procedure with a consultation so that we can take x-ray images of the wisdom teeth and go over all sedative options. The procedure involves administering the sedative of choice and then creating a small incision through the gums. We then remove the underlying tooth and stitch the gums closed. The next wisdom tooth is removed in the same way until all wisdom teeth are taken out. You will be instructed on how to care for the area while it heals. If you’ve used conscious sedation, you’ll need a friend or relative to bring you home from the office.
If you suspect that you need your wisdom teeth removed, call us today and we can get you in for a convenient consultation appointment to answer your questions.
