Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2022
Our teeth are designed to allow us to eat the foods we need for the best nutrition. However, over time, as our bodies have adapted to more modern ways of eating, our jaws have changed and for many, the last teeth to erupt often don’t have room. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, often come through the gumline around the late teens or early adult years, but due to the way the bite aligns, they typically become impacted. This means they are stuck in the jawbone and unable to erupt in the back corners of the mouth. Some patients may not experience this problem, but because of the location of the wisdom teeth, may find it difficult to keep these teeth clean and free from cavities. This is why many patients end up having their wisdom teeth removed.
For some, the wisdom teeth may come through, but can disrupt the alignment of the smile, pushing against the existing teeth and causing pain and discomfort. It can also undo any headway made in realigning the smile with orthodontic treatment. Because of the downfalls of the wisdom teeth, many patients choose to have them removed even before they become a serious problem.
How are wisdom teeth extracted?
The wisdom teeth are extracted in one of two ways: surgical or simple. Patients who have their wisdom teeth in the smile will need local anesthetic before the dentist removes the tooth from the bone of the jaw. For those with wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted or have become impacted in the smile, surgical extraction may be recommended. Surgical extraction is more involved and complex, and requires patients to arrange appropriate time to recover and heal following their procedure.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed
The best way to determine if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted is to speak to a dental professional about your unique situation. Dr. Patterson and his team are here to help! Call (805) 584-1194 to request a consultation visit at 2720 Cochran Street, Suite #2B in Simi Valley, California. We are open for new and returning patients in the area.
Posted in: Wisdom teeth removal
