Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (93)
- cosmetic dentistry (31)
- oral health (34)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (2)
- dental implant (5)
- dental implants (16)
- bridgework (2)
- dental injury (8)
- crown (2)
- fluoride (4)
- mouthguards (7)
- tooth decay (5)
- pediatric dentistry (12)
- oral hygiene (26)
- common symptoms (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- bad breath (2)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- oral sedation (2)
- oral cancer (3)
- braces (11)
- orthodontics (7)
- root canal (3)
- teeth whitening (5)
- dentures (1)
- gum disease (11)
- diabetes (1)
- smile makeover (10)
- wedding day smile (1)
- accessory root canals (1)
- root planing (1)
- orthodontic treatment (7)
- bonding (2)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- thumb sucking (3)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- bridge (2)
- dental anxiety (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medications (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- periodontal disease (2)
- clear aligners (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- fillings (1)
- porcelain veneers (6)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- composite resins (1)
- crowns (3)
- smile design (3)
- partial denture (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- teeth grinding (4)
- veneers (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- mouthguard (1)
- extractions (1)
- gum recession (4)
- retainers (1)
- bruxism (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- toothache (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- bone loss (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- nutrition (3)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- loose tooth (2)
- sugar (1)
- retainer (2)
- baby teeth (1)
- flossing (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- osteoporosis (1)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- tooth extractions (1)
- dry socket (1)
Categories:
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt in the late teens or early twenties — so-called because they come in around the age of maturity or “wisdom.” While teeth are designed to last a lifetime, wisdom teeth are often problematic requiring early removal because they frequently become impacted, meaning they are not able to erupt fully through the gums to become healthy functioning teeth. However, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed if they are fully erupted and functional.
Prevention: Having a tooth submerged below the gum, pressing on the roots of neighboring teeth can cause damage and decay even though you may not be feeling any discomfort. By the time the tooth becomes painful, significant damage may already have occurred. In addition, the ability of the body to heal following oral surgery tends to decrease with age. A recent study sponsored by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed in young adulthood in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing.
Reasons for Removal: If your wisdom teeth are impacted against (pressing on) the roots of other teeth, damage can occur. To prevent infections, gum disease, decay, or damage to other permanent teeth, our office may recommend removal of your wisdom teeth.
What to Expect: If wisdom teeth removal is recommended, it can generally be done in the dental office as a surgical procedure with local anesthesia and conscious sedation (twilight sleep). After the surgery, you may experience some moderate discomfort and swelling depending on the degree of impaction and difficulty. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, or prescription medication for several days after surgery will provide pain relief and control swelling.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss any questions you may have regarding removal of your wisdom teeth. Read more about this topic in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Wisdom Teeth: To Be Or Not to Be?”