Wisdom Teeth Removal
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your wisdom teeth are often the very last teeth to develop in the mouth. Oftentimes, people do not have enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in fully, leaving them impacted beneath the gums. When wisdom teeth are impacted or if they’re allowed to only partially erupt through the gums, they can cause a variety of problems such as swelling, infection, inflammation, pain and even damage to surrounding teeth. It is recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed early on or when they begin to become problematic.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Removal needed?
If wisdom teeth are left in the mouth, they may continue to cause problems and even affect surrounding teeth. When they are able to come up through the gums, they may only partially erupt, causing infection and inflammation. Some of the different reasons to consider having your wisdom teeth removed include:
- Wisdom teeth can cause pain and tenderness
- Wisdom teeth can cause infection and inflammation
- Wisdom teeth can cause damage to surrounding teeth
What makes you a good candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We will take x-rays and other images prior to your wisdom teeth being removed. Most people who have their wisdom teeth will be recommended to have them removed. Ideally, wisdom teeth should be removed before they cause problems. However, it is not uncommon for adults to come in with emergency wisdom tooth pain and inflammation.
What happens during Wisdom Teeth Removal?
For impacted wisdom teeth, we often recommend general or conscious sedation. A small incision is made through the gums to expose the tooth and it will be fully removed. Sutures are placed to close the gums and promote optimal healing. For wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted through the gums, special tools will be used to loosen and lift the tooth from the mouth. Sutures may or may not be necessary once the tooth is removed. You will be sent home with important aftercare instructions to ensure the surgical site heals properly.
If you think you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed, call our office today and we will work to get you in for a conveniently scheduled appointment.