Wisdom teeth can be a real pain-Literally. They can crowd other teeth, causing them to become crooked or misaligned. They can also become impacted, meaning they grow in at an angle and get stuck under the gum line. At Mayfair Family Dentistry, we offer gentle wisdom teeth removal as part of our general dentistry services. Our dental team is highly skilled and has extensive experience performing wisdom teeth extractions.
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgery that is performed to remove wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are the third and last molars on each side of your upper and lower jaws. They usually erupt (come in) during the late teens or early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some have more, and some have none at all. wisdom teeth that are positioned correctly and do not crowd or damage other teeth usually do not need to be removed. However, wisdom teeth that are impacted (stuck and unable to erupt through the gum) or become infected can cause pain, swelling, decay, and damage to nearby teeth. In some cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be needed even if your wisdom teeth are not causing any problems now. Your Mayfair dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent problems in the future.
For example, if your wisdom tooth is only partially erupted (partially covered by gum tissue or bone), it’s more difficult to keep clean than a tooth that has fully erupted. If not removed, a wisdom tooth that is only partially erupted can lead to decay of the tooth or crowding and damage of adjacent teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also fuse to the bone or each other. This can make removal difficult and may require special instruments or techniques. In very rare cases, infection from an impacted wisdom tooth can spread into the jawbone and surrounding tissues (cellulitis), which can be life-threatening. Removal of one or more wisdom teeth is often recommended before this happens.
Common Reasons You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Your Jaw Is Too Small
One of the most common reasons people need to have their wisdom teeth removed is because their jaw is too small. Wisdom teeth can crowd the other teeth in your mouth and cause problems with your bite. If your wisdom teeth are not removed, they may also cause your other teeth to become crooked. - You Have Gum Disease
Another reason you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed is if you have gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If you have gum disease, your wisdom teeth may become infected and cause further damage to your gums. - You Have Cavities
If you have cavities in your wisdom teeth, you may need to have them removed. Cavities are holes in the tooth that are caused by decay. If the cavities are left untreated, they can cause pain and infection.
The wisdom teeth removal process can sound a bit daunting, but the team at Mayfair Family Dentistry is here to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible! We understand that wisdom tooth extractions can be anxiety-inducing, but our number one priority is providing the best possible care for our patients. We will take the time to answer any and all of your questions, so that you can feel confident and informed heading into your procedure. And of course, our skilled professionals will make sure the extraction is virtually painless. So if you’re in need of wisdom tooth removal, there’s no need to worry – just contact us and we’ll take care of the rest!
