Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the very back of your mouth. They don’t always need to be removed, but they can cause problems if they are not growing in properly. We provide advanced state-of-the-art oral surgery and wisdom teeth removal. If you’re struggling with your wisdom teeth, please call us for a free consultation.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 15 and 25, often causing oral health issues for many individuals. Through visual examination or x-ray imaging, we can assess whether your wisdom teeth require extraction. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Proactive extraction can mitigate potential problems including crowding, TMJ issues, infection, decay, and damage to neighboring teeth.
Given their location and proximity to other teeth, wisdom teeth can jeopardize the health of adjacent teeth and are challenging to maintain cleanliness. Even with diligent oral hygiene, the risk of infection remains. Therefore, removal is frequently recommended as a preventive measure rather than opting for gum infection therapy or fillings.
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How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removed?
While every patient is different, there are some common signs that indicate the need to have your wisdom teeth removed. These signs include:
- Impaction, i.e., if the tooth is stuck under the gums or is completely hidden. If wisdom teeth aren’t able to emerge normally, they can become trapped within your jaw which can result in infection or cause a cyst that can damage other teeth or roots.
- Changing bite alignment—wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes horizontally, this can cause a change in your bite alignment.
- Crowding or damage to existing teeth caused by wisdom teeth not having enough room to come in properly.
- Emerging only partially—if your wisdom teeth are only partially emerged through the gums it can cause a magnet for bacteria that can cause gum disease and oral infection.
Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at an early age, before the roots and bone are fully formed and when recovery is faster.
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What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
When a wisdom tooth lacks necessary space to emerge properly, it’s classified as an impacted wisdom tooth. Impaction severity varies based on the tooth’s position within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction arises when the tooth’s crown breaches the bone but remains covered by gum tissue. Partially bony impaction occurs when the tooth partially erupts but remains partly submerged in the jawbone. Complete bony impaction entails the tooth being entirely encased by jawbone.
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How do I relieve wisdom tooth pain?
Wisdom teeth generally come in between ages 17 and 25. As they grow up through your jawbone and begin to break through your gum line, they may become inflamed or bleed. These occurrences could cause headaches or tooth pain. Below are some remedies to relieve wisdom tooth pain:
- Rinse with saltwater
- Use peppermint essential oils or clover oil to soothe pain
- Take aspirin or an over the counter pain reliever
- Apply an ice pack or heating pad to your cheeks
More Questions?
If you have more questions about wisdom teeth removal and the procedures used by Amazing Smiles, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
