Wisdom teeth. We’ve heard about the problems that these third molars can cause, and it is important for patients to stay aware of the positioning of their wisdom teeth and whether or not they have erupted into the dental arch.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
There are four wisdom teeth in the smile, one in each corner. They are the very last adult teeth to erupt through the gum line. Because of this, they often don’t have space and commonly become impacted. When this occurs, the only solution is permanent extraction.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth removal is often done due to the impaction of the molars in the back of the mouth. This can become painful. Wisdom teeth are not exactly “necessary” for a healthy smile, so dentists will remove them if they become a problem. Even wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gum line may need to be pulled because they could be contributing to issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease. Their placement so far in the back of the mouth can make them difficult for patients to brush and floss and may impact the overall health of the smile. At this point, removal may be recommended.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
There are two methods of removal for wisdom teeth. The first method is a simple extraction. Simple extractions are done quickly and easily in the dental office under local anesthetics. The dentist is able to wedge the tooth out of the bone with a special instrument. A surgical extraction requires oral surgery and is performed if the tooth has not yet erupted through the gum line. This is more invasive but is done with proper sedation for patient comfort.
Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you live in the area of Sherwood, OR and are interested in having your wisdom teeth removed, we welcome you to the practice of New Smiles Dental to learn about the two methods of extraction. Drs. Nathan Doyel, Ben Aaderud, and Ashley Bennett are professionals who can assist patients in bringing their smile back to health after the third molars begin to cause problems.
Schedule a Consultation
We encourage patients to contact our office at (503) 925-9595 today to book a consultation regarding your wisdom teeth. Our office is in Suite #101 at 17680 SW Handley Street in the community of Sherwood, Oregon.
