Wisdom Teeth Removal

At roughly the age of 18, wisdom teeth start to emerge from the gums. In many cases, this can cause problems with the alignment of the other molars, or an x-ray may show that they could down the line. Here are the common issues that wisdom teeth can cause:

• Damage to other teeth. The extra molars can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing mouth pain and bite problems. Misaligned teeth are also more prone to cavities since proper brushing and flossing can be more difficult.
• Alignment. Impacted wisdom teeth that push other teeth out of alignment can also undo the corrective effects of braces and other dental work.
• Sinus Issues. Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
• Inflamed Gums. The tissue around the area can swell and may be hard to clean.
• Cavities. Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.

Your dentist will look at the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth to make a decision. Most extraction procedures can be performed in the office with only local anesthesia. Your dentist then performs minor surgery where the tissue and bone around the wisdom tooth are removed and the tooth is extracted from the socket. After the procedure, your dentist will give you specific instructions on steps to take to ensure a speedy recovery and tell you the signs to look out for that may be signs of complications. If you or your teenager’s wisdom teeth are coming in, make an appointment today to determine whether or not they should be removed.