Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually appear during a person’s late teens or early 20s. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have fewer or more. If your jaw is not big enough to accommodate these teeth, they can cause overcrowding, resulting in crooked teeth and other problems.
If wisdom teeth are causing issues, individuals may experience symptoms such as pain or tenderness in the back of the mouth, swelling or redness of the gums, jaw stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste when biting down. Regular dental checkups and X-rays can help identify potential problems with wisdom teeth before symptoms arise.
In many cases, wisdom teeth that are causing problems or have the potential to cause issues are recommended for extraction. At Mega Dental, wisdom tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia may be used to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience during the procedure.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
- The teeth are impacted or stuck beneath the gums.
- The teeth have an increased risk of infection due to being difficult to clean properly.
- The mouth is overcrowded, and there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
- The roots are crowded or angled.
- The wisdom teeth have started pushing your other teeth out of alignment.
- Removing the wisdom teeth will minimize the risk of complications to other healthy teeth.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the extraction area. In some cases, conscious sedation or general anesthesia may be used, especially if multiple teeth are being removed or the procedure is expected to be more complex.
Our Dentist in Richmond, TX or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth to access the tooth and the underlying bone. In cases where the tooth is impacted or not fully erupted, a small amount of bone may also need to be removed to provide better access. The dentist or oral surgeon will then carefully loosen and remove the wisdom tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Sometimes, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. The extraction technique depends on factors such as the tooth's position, root structure, and any present complications.
After removing the wisdom tooth, our dentist or oral surgeon may place stitches to close the incision. Dissolvable stitches may be used, eliminating the need for removal later. They may also place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and help with blood clot formation.
It is best to remove wisdom teeth before they cause other problems by coming in at an angle, impacting other teeth, or becoming infected. The earlier a wisdom tooth is removed, the fewer complications you will likely develop from impacted wisdom teeth. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Mega Dental at 10510 FM 1464 Suite 100, Richmond, TX 77407, or call (832) 930-7723.