Do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Many patients must have their wisdom teeth removed because there is not enough room for them to grow into the mouth. The wisdom teeth, or third molars, develop in the teenage years after the other teeth have already come in. This lack of space can cause them to grow at an improper angle or get stuck in the gums. Teeth that can’t erupt from the gums are called impacted teeth and can cause a host of oral health problems.
Some of the most common complications that arise from abnormal wisdom tooth development include dental crowding and the development of tumors, cysts, or dental infections. These problems can require additional procedures to treatment and make it harder to perform a simple wisdom tooth extraction. Visiting your general dentist for routine cleanings can assist in monitoring wisdom tooth development and scheduling a time for removal before they cause oral health problems.
When do I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted?
We recommend patients schedule their initial consultation with Dr. Bryan or Dr. Goodson during the teenage years. By visiting our office early, our team can detect the wisdom teeth before they cause significant oral health problems. Wisdom teeth are traditionally removed before they fully develop because the procedure is easier for the patient and the recovery period is much more efficient at a young age.
What kinds of oral health problems do wisdom teeth cause?
Wisdom teeth are known to cause a variety of oral health issues. They often cause dental crowding, as they grow at an angle directly toward the healthy molars, pushing them forward. If third molars only grow into the mouth partially or remain impacted beneath the gums, they can be tough to clean. This often results in dental infections or the development of cysts or tumors, as bacteria gets trapped beneath the surface of the gums. Unfortunately, many of these problems can go undetected and do not cause discomfort when they first develop.
A few common symptoms that wisdom teeth require removal include soreness, pain at the back of the mouth, and swelling of the gums around your wisdom teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact our office to schedule a consultation. Most of the time, patients feel pain after the problem has had a chance to grow.
Is there any pain associated with a wisdom teeth extraction?
It is our goal to provide you or your child with a comfortable and safe surgical environment. We know that many patients are nervous about their upcoming surgery, and we offer a variety of sedation options to our patients. Most patients that are undergoing wisdom tooth extraction elect to undergo surgery with IV sedation and rest comfortably during the treatment. In fact, some patients wake up thinking that the procedure hasn’t even started yet! Properly adhering to your post-operative care instructions during the week following surgery will minimize your discomfort and ensure a quicker recovery.
Where can I have my wisdom teeth removed in Oklahoma City?
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, our oral surgeons perform wisdom teeth extractions on a routine basis for patients of all ages. If a general dentist has told you that it is time to remove your wisdom teeth, or if your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, we encourage to call our office. Drs. Bryan and Goodson aim to provide every patient with pleasant and personalized experience and look forward to caring for you.