Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that removes one or more wisdom teeth, which are the four permanent adult teeth located in the upper and lower rear corners of your mouth. If a wisdom tooth is unable to grow due to discomfort, infection, or other dental issues, it will most likely need to be pulled. A dentist or an oral surgeon can do a wisdom tooth extraction. Even if impacted teeth aren’t currently causing problems, some dentists and oral surgeons suggest wisdom tooth extraction to avoid potential future complications. Learn more about the cost of wisdom teeth removal.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
Wisdom tooth removal surgery is often performed as an outpatient treatment by a dentist or oral surgeon. A dentist will recommend this procedure if an examination and X-rays reveal that your wisdom teeth are impacted or may give you dental difficulties in the future. The surgeon will cut the gums and extract the tooth, either whole or in parts. You will be sedated, maybe with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous (IV) sedation. Your surgeon will choose the best sedative for you based on your degree of comfort as well as the difficulty and quantity of extractions required. We should also be clear about what to expect from a wisdom teeth extraction before proceeding with the procedure.
Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth that emerge in the mouth. Between the ages of 17 and 25, these teeth normally develop. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. Others have wisdom teeth that erupt naturally, exactly like their other molars and create no complications. Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, which are teeth that do not have enough room to erupt or develop appropriately. Wisdom teeth that are impacted may erupt only partially or not at all. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause:
- Grow at an angle in the direction of the next tooth (second molar)
- Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
- Grow straight up or down like normal teeth, but remain locked within the jawbone.
- Wisdom teeth develop at a right angle to the other teeth, as though the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone.
Problems with impacted wisdom teeth
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you will most likely require it extracted if it causes complications such as:
- Pain
- Damage to a neighboring tooth or bone
- Food and debris have become entrapped behind the wisdom tooth
- Complications with other teeth-straightening orthodontic treatments
- Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- The development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) surrounding the wisdom tooth
Preventing future dental problems
Dental experts disagree on the value of extracting impacted wisdom teeth that aren’t causing difficulties. Future complications with impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to predict. However, here’s why preventative extraction is a good idea:
- Even if you don’t have any symptoms, your wisdom teeth could be infected.
- When there isn’t enough space for the tooth to emerge, it can be difficult to reach it and properly clean it.
- Serious issues with wisdom teeth are less common in younger persons.
- Surgery can be challenging for older people, and complications might occur following surgery.
We hope this blog has provided you with all of the information you need about wisdom teeth extraction. If you are looking for the best wisdom teeth extraction treatment in Berwyn, IL, contact us at Berwyn Dental Connection. Schedule your appointment today.