Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of molars that emerge at the back of your mouth. It’s unusual for people to have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow without causing symptoms that require removal. These teeth often develop beneath the gum line and can go unnoticed until later stages of life. Therefore, it is essential to have regular dental check-ups and X-ray assessments to determine the presence of wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal is quite common, with around 85% of people needing the procedure to avoid potential oral health issues. When wisdom teeth become impacted, it can lead to complications like cysts, tumors, or even growing in a way that affects neighboring molars. This can result in crowded and poorly aligned teeth, impacting your overall dental health.
Do I need to get my wisdom teeth taken out?
The number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, with some having one or two, others having four or more, and some not having any at all. To determine the state of your wisdom teeth, or if you even have them, it is recommended to schedule an evaluation with a dental professional. If your wisdom teeth are causing issues, such as growing in at an angle towards other molars, removal is usually advised. This is because such positioning can result in intense pain, oral infections, or even pathological conditions. Furthermore, as the wisdom tooth emerges, it can trap plaque and debris, making your teeth more susceptible to decay or gum disease. In addition, wisdom teeth can cause damage to neighboring molars, as well as potentially harm the jaw bone and important facial nerves.
Although wisdom teeth can be removed at any age, it is generally recommended to have them extracted during the mid to late teenage years. This is because removing wisdom teeth during this time can prevent any interference with the growth and alignment of your other teeth. Moreover, since the wisdom teeth are not fully developed and the jaw bone is more flexible at a younger age, the recovery process after the treatment is usually more comfortable. Whether your wisdom teeth have partially or fully emerged, we are happy to schedule an evaluation to help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you.
Wondering who is best suited to remove your wisdom teeth?
Look no further than oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These dental specialists are highly skilled in performing wisdom tooth extraction, making them the go-to professionals for this procedure. Patients often choose oral surgeons for their expertise and the range of anesthesia options they offer. With specific training and experience, oral surgeons are equipped to handle both simple and complex wisdom tooth removals. They are also well-prepared to manage any complications that may arise during the procedure. When it comes to anesthesia, patients can opt for local anesthetic or nitrous oxide sedation. However, many prefer to be completely asleep during the extraction. Thanks to their extensive training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can provide a safe and comfortable environment for these options. So, when it comes to removing your wisdom teeth, trust the expertise of oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
The process of removing wisdom teeth involves the use of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or IV anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or anxiety during the extraction. Before the procedure, we will have a detailed conversation with you about the different anesthesia options available, their advantages, and potential risks, so you can choose the sedation method that is most suitable for your requirements.
When you choose to get your wisdom teeth extracted at Granger Oral Surgery & Dental Implants near South Bend, IN, Dr. Anderson will carefully assess your medical and dental background. If needed, X-rays or 3D scans will be taken to determine the exact location, size, and shape of your wisdom teeth. Our main aim is to provide you with the best possible recovery from your treatment. We strive to keep you well-informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.
If your wisdom teeth haven’t fully come in yet, removing them involves making a small incision in the gums and removing a piece of bone to expose the tooth. The tooth will then be extracted in smaller sections to minimize bone removal.
If you require wisdom teeth extraction and would like more information, we encourage you to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taite Anderson. He has successfully removed wisdom teeth for numerous patients. Our office staff and Dr. Anderson are here to address any concerns or queries you may have regarding your procedure. Dr. Anderson routinely performs wisdom teeth extractions at our Granger, location, near South Bend, and is highly skilled in this procedure.
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