Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that grow in the very back of your mouth. It is uncommon for patients to have a large enough mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth without experiencing symptoms that warrant removal. Wisdom teeth often grow below the surface of the gums and remain undetectable at an early age. That is why it is important to undergo regular dental exams and proper X-ray evaluation to determine if wisdom teeth are present.
Wisdom teeth removal is relatively common; approximately 85% of wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent future oral health problems. Impacted teeth can experience issues, such as the growth of cysts and tumors, or may even grow at an angle, directly toward other healthy molars. This angular growth can cause crowding and misalignment of your otherwise healthy teeth.
Should my wisdom teeth be removed?
Some people have one or two wisdom teeth, others grow four or more, and some individuals have no wisdom teeth at all. The best way to know the condition of your wisdom teeth, or if you even have them, is to schedule an evaluation with a dental professional. If your wisdom teeth are positioned in a manner that presents problems, they will be recommended for removal. Wisdom teeth tend to grow in at an angle toward the other molars, which can cause severe pain, lead to oral infection, or cause pathological conditions. When the wisdom tooth is growing in, it can trap plaque and debris, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay or gum disease. The wisdom teeth damage neighboring molars and can harm the jaw bone and important nerves in the face.
While wisdom teeth removal procedures can be performed on adults, it is best to have wisdom teeth extracted during the mid to late teens. By removing wisdom teeth during this period, we can prevent them from disrupting the normal growth and alignment of your healthy teeth. Additionally, the wisdom teeth aren’t fully formed, and the jaw bone is more forgiving at an early age, making the recovery much more comfortable following treatment. Whether you have partially erupted or fully erupted wisdom teeth, we will gladly schedule you an evaluation to help you determine whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you.
Who should remove your wisdom teeth?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the dental specialists who most commonly remove wisdom teeth. The two main reasons patients often seek specialists for this procedure are experience and anesthesia options. Oral surgeons have specific training and experience in managing both simple and very complex wisdom tooth removal procedures. The training received by oral surgeons also focuses on managing complications that can arise from this type of procedure. Anesthesia for wisdom tooth removal can include local anesthetic or nitrous oxide sedation, but most patients prefer to be completely asleep for this procedure. The extensive training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons allows them to provide these options in a safe and comfortable environment.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth can be removed using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or IV anesthesia to help ease any anxiety the extraction procedure may cause and ensure a pain-free removal. We will discuss your anesthesia options and their benefits and risks with you before your procedure to help you select the sedation option that best suits your needs.
If you have your wisdom teeth removed at Granger Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Granger, IN, Dr. Anderson will review your medical and dental history and take X-rays or 3D scans if necessary that will reveal the position, length, and shape of your wisdom teeth. We want you to understand and experience optimal recovery from your treatment. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease moving forward with your treatment.
If your wisdom teeth have not fully grown in, removal requires an incision into the gums and removal of a small piece of bone to expose the wisdom tooth. The tooth will then be extracted in smaller portions to minimize the amount of bone that is removed.
If you are in need of wisdom teeth extraction and want more information, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taite Anderson. He has removed wisdom teeth for thousands of patients. Our office staff and Dr. Anderson are happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Dr. Anderson performs wisdom teeth extractions regularly at our Granger, IN, office and is highly proficient in performing this procedure.