Understanding the process of removing wisdom teeth at New Smiles Dental

We hear about them, but many patients are perplexed about what they are for and why they are removed: the wisdom teeth. These teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to erupt through the gum line. This typically occurs when patients are in their late teens or early adulthood. However, they are also the most problematic teeth. Because they come into the smile so late, they often cause problems. They may become stuck, causing impaction and pain, or they come through and disrupt orthodontic work or increase the risk of periodontal disease and cavities in a patient because they can be difficult to reach for brushing and flossing. Because these teeth are not considered necessary, they are often extracted by dentists. Sherwood, OR area patients will find that removing their wisdom teeth is often a smart idea as it is a proactive approach to the possibility of future issues.

Most patients have four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the back of the mouth, while patients may have up to eight. These teeth may be removed with surgical or simple extraction. A simple extraction is a dental extraction that is done when the tooth has already erupted through the gum line and can be easily removed by the dentist without having to cut into the gums. However, if teeth are impacted or underneath the gum line, surgical extraction is required. This is more invasive, but oftentimes necessary—especially if patients are experiencing pain from impaction. Both procedures are done right in our dental office here at New Smiles Dental with proper sedation and anesthetics for optimum comfort.

Are you ready for an evaluation to determine if your wisdom teeth require removal?

Contact the team of New Smiles Dental today! Drs. Nathan Doyel, Ben Aanderud, and Whisenant provide patients in the Sherwood, OR community and beyond with general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry solutions, including the removal of the third molars. Call the office at (503) 925-9595 to schedule an appointment with our staff, and visit us personally at 17680 SW Handley Street, Suite #101 for more information.