Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Whenever dental problems arise, it’s understandable that you want to seek care from an experienced dentist who has your best interests at heart. This is especially true when dealing with dental issues that can cause infection, discomfort, or pain. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you may find yourself wondering what is involved in getting them removed surgically. Is removal of impacted wisdom teeth even necessary? Why is it important to seek care from an experienced dental professional? The following information will address these important questions.
What are Wisdom Teeth and Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The third and last molars are frequently referred to as wisdom teeth because they are the final teeth to erupt. In fact, many people do not get their wisdom teeth until they are in their late teens or early twenties. At times, the wisdom teeth have a difficult time breaking through the surface of the gums completely. This is referred to as impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that remain stuck below the surface of the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Some of the factors that can result in impacted wisdom teeth are the following:
- A narrow arch that doesn’t allow space for the additional teeth
- Misalignment of the existing teeth that create a lack of space
- Wisdom teeth that are growing at an angle that prevents them from breaking through
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There may be other factors that prevent wisdom teeth from fully erupting as well. In any case, leaving impacted teeth beneath the surface of the gums can result in chronic problems down the road.
What Issues Can Result from Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Many people may wonder why they can’t just leave their impacted wisdom teeth alone. Since they are beneath the surface of the gums, many people feel that impacted wisdom teeth are harmless. However, this is not the case. Impacted wisdom teeth can create numerous issues, such as those listed below:
- They can form cavities
- They can get infected and cause painful abscesses
- They are susceptible to gum disease just like any of the erupted teeth
- They can develop cysts
- They can cause damage to adjacent teeth as they attempt to erupt through the gums
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Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Should be Fixed
Impacted wisdom teeth are susceptible to all of the same dental issues and diseases that erupted teeth are susceptible to. However, since they remain beneath the surface of the gums, you may be unaware of any existing problems with your impacted wisdom teeth until symptoms become severe.
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth alone may eventually result in unseen cavities, periodontal disease, painful infection, and damage to surrounding teeth that require further treatment. Additionally, if braces are needed, wisdom teeth often need to be removed to make space for the existing teeth to straighten.
How Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery Impact Oral Health?
Wisdom tooth removal surgery is often suggested as a means to prevent problems from developing with impacted wisdom teeth. Most experienced dental professionals recommend that wisdom tooth removal takes place before adulthood since it is often easier at a younger age. Additionally, patients do not need to wait until problems arise in order to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed. Many dental professionals recommend surgery to remove the wisdom teeth long before any issues arise.
Why is it Important to Choose a Qualified Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal surgery requires care from an experienced oral surgeon. Since it is a true operation, you will generally be placed under general anesthesia and monitored carefully throughout the procedure. Small incisions are made in the gumline that will allow your oral surgeon to carefully extract the wisdom teeth in their entirety. The incisions will then be closed, and you will be given aftercare instructions to promote prompt healing. When dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, it is only natural to seek care from a qualified and experienced dentist who has performed this procedure a number of times. This will give you great peace of mind and ensure that you get the results you are looking for.
No matter what dental issues you may be dealing with, you want prompt access to an experienced dentist who genuinely cares about your needs and puts them first. Dealing with impacted wisdom teeth can be a painful and stressful event. Our skilled dental team at Olympic Dental of Sugar Land have the experience necessary to get to the root of the problem promptly, providing you with a solution you can trust. Contact us today to find out how we can help you deal with your dental problems, giving you peace of mind along with a healthy mouth.
Know your options for wisdom teeth extraction.
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