Removing impacted wisdom teeth is one of the most common oral surgeries that we perform at Ashley Dental Associates. Through the use of x-rays, our team is able to identify whether or not one or more of your wisdom teeth are impacted, and need to be removed. It is estimated that around 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year in America, and yet despite the popularity of this surgery, there seem to be a lot of questions surrounding the purpose of wisdom teeth, and why they need to be removed. At Ashley Dental, it’s important that our patients are made aware of all information relating to the health of their smile, so today we’re taking time to explain everything you need to know about your wisdom teeth.
About Your Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are third molars that typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they emerge later in life than your other teeth. It’s important to note that not everyone develops wisdom teeth. It’s also possible that wisdom teeth erupt normally and don’t cause any problems at all. Problems with wisdom teeth occur when there’s not enough space for them to surface, when they develop incorrectly, or when they become impacted.
Wisdom Teeth Impaction
Wisdom teeth become impacted when the emerging teeth are trapped in the jaw or under the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may also start to grow in problematic directions, such as towards other teeth or towards the back of the mouth. When not removed, impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to trap food and debris, leading to infection, decay, or gum disease. By the time the wisdom teeth start to come in, many people have already undergone orthodontic treatments, like braces to straighten their smile. The emergence of wisdom teeth has the potential to undo the effect of braces, causing a waste of time and money spent on these orthodontic treatments.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you’re in need of wisdom tooth removal, there’s nothing to worry about. At Ashley Dental Associates, we administer either local or general anesthesia depending on the severity. We then make small incisions in the gums so the wisdom teeth can be removed. After the surgery, we will give you detailed instructions on how to keep your mouth clean, what you can eat, and how you can manage any pain associated with the surgery.
There are many reasons why you should have your wisdom teeth removed, ranging from pain and infection to interference with orthodontic treatments. Having an understanding of what you need to know about your wisdom teeth can help you make informed decisions when it comes to your dental health. If you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, you should be sure to monitor them as possible wisdom teeth problems may develop later in life. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal or any other type of oral surgery, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Ashley Dental! You can submit a request online, or call us directly at (843) 767-2600.