wisdom teeth removal

wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom Teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people lack the space in their jaws to fit wisdom teeth without moving their other teeth. This could result in teeth shifting out of place, leading to a misaligned smile.

A dentist examining a patient's X-ray results.

Why Do You Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt through your gumline. In many cases, patients lack the necessary space to accommodate these new teeth due to overcrowding. When this occurs, the wisdom tooth becomes impacted, or unable to erupt through the gumline. The pressure caused by this phenomenon leads to pain and can also move the remaining teeth out of position. In these cases, dentists recommend removing the wisdom tooth altogether.

What if I Am Not Experiencing these problems?

Although in many cases the wisdom tooth grows without obstruction, it might still become a problem in the future. A wisdom tooth’s roots get longer as it ages, making extraction more difficult and increasing the potential for complications such as nerve damage. To be safe, have your dentist assess your wisdom tooth at the first signs of discomfort.

when should i remove my wisdom teeth?

The American Association for Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends removing wisdom teeth when the tooth erupts or is detected. This is to prevent future problems and allow for proper healing. Never wait for your wisdom tooth to cause problems to your oral health before going to your dentist as issues like dental misalignment might be more difficult to correct.

how is wisdom tooth removal performed?

Depending on the nature of your case, wisdom tooth extractions are performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Our doctors will speak to you before the surgery and answer any questions. After surgery, it is common to experience swelling and mild discomfort.

activities to avoid after surgery

  • Smoking

  • Drinking alcoholic beverages

  • Strenuous exercise

  • Touching the wound

  • Drinking from a straw

do you need wisdom teeth removal in greenville, NC?

At Michels & Gauquie Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, our team will ensure your dental operation goes well. We provide safe and reliable wisdom teeth removal for all our patients. Give us a call today to schedule your surgery.