Wisdom Teeth Treatments at Tyrone Family Dentistry
By their early teens, most people have a full set of adult teeth – except for the third molars. These teeth typically don’t erupt until the late teenage years or early twenties, which is why they are commonly called wisdom teeth. Tyrone Family Dentistry closely monitors the development of these teeth in our young patients.
Why wisdom teeth need to be removed
Sometimes wisdom teeth don’t need to be removed. If there is sufficient room in the mouth, and all teeth develop properly, they can be trouble-free. Unfortunately, most people do not have enough room for these final teeth. Extraction is commonly recommended for reasons including:
- Oral disease
- Crowding
- Bite imbalance
- Potential for damage to adjacent teeth
- Impaction
What is an impacted tooth?
Sometimes existing teeth block a tooth from erupting. When this happens, only part of the tooth, if any, erupts above the gum line. The rest of the tooth is enclosed in soft tissues, where it crowds important nerves, muscles, bone tissue, and roots of other teeth. This condition, known as impaction, is most common with wisdom teeth. In rare cases, it can occur with other teeth.
An impacted tooth can cause a host of dental problems, including:
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease
Wisdom tooth removal procedure
Surgical extraction is usually needed for wisdom teeth, particularly if they are impacted. We use local anesthetic and ensure the area is completely numb before beginning the procedure, to ensure your comfort. Wisdom teeth are not necessary for chewing or speaking, so their removal does not diminish functionality. Instead, the procedure benefits oral health and relieves pain.
If you have concerns about wisdom teeth, call us at (678) 245-4757 and schedule an evaluation to determine if they need to be removed.
