30 Jun Why You Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Once you hit your late teens or early twenties, your dentist may begin discussing the removal of your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. These structures grow later than your other pearly whites and can tend to cause problems for your smile’s alignment and health if they are not extracted. In many cases, your dentist may recommend removing these teeth to avoid major problems in the future. Your team at Commonwealth Oral Surgery in Richmond, VA, is here today to talk about a few of the most common reasons wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Your Wisdom Teeth Are Causing You Discomfort
In some cases, your wisdom teeth may not cause you any problems at all, and you may not even notice they have come in. Other times, when they erupt, they can cause discomfort and aching in the jaw and gums. If you begin to notice that they are causing you difficulty when eating and talking, you should talk to your dentist right away. The discomfort could be a sign of an infection or impaction, so the sooner the problem is identified, the sooner we can help relieve your discomfort. We understand that being told you need a tooth extraction can be intimidating, but the extraction is a regularly performed procedure, and our team will do their best to help you feel comfortable from the start to the end of your procedure. We will go over your pre-operative and post-operative care so you can heal properly and feel comfortable.
The Teeth Are Impacted Or Decayed
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it means that it cannot erupt past the gumline. This can happen if they grow in at an angle or have a lack of space. Everyone’s third set of molars grows in at different times and can be unpredictable, so your dentist will keep track of their growth during your checkups. Like your other molars, this final set can also experience decay, especially because they can be difficult to reach. Your dentist may suggest the wisdom teeth be removed to prevent future issues, even if they aren’t currently causing you problems.
Protect Your Smile From Overcrowding And Misalignment
If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist and orthodontist will work together to determine the best time to remove these structures and protect your smile. We may recommend removing the structures before your orthodontic treatment so your smile does not become misaligned later. Our oral surgery team will collaborate with your orthodontist and general dentist to create a plan that best meets your needs.
Plan Your Surgery With Our Team
When you need an extraction or have other oral surgery needs, the team at Commonwealth Oral Surgery in Richmond, VA, is here for you. To schedule a consultation and plan your visit, call (804) 354-1600.