Wisdom Teeth: Is Removal Necessary?
When it comes to oral health, one issue that most young adults face is the emergence of wisdom teeth. As a parent, you must have heard about wisdom teeth removal, sparking curiosity and leading to questions – is removing wisdom teeth necessary? What is the right time for extraction? What if they are not removed?
Here at Portland Oral Surgery, we specialize in oral surgery, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and of course, wisdom teeth removal. We’re here with an extensive guide to help young adults and their parents understand everything about wisdom teeth.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Before we delve into questions about wisdom teeth removal, let’s understand what they are:
- Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the far back of the mouth
- They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25
- Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, while some people will grow more than four
Having wisdom teeth doesn’t always cause problems. In some cases, they grow in and align themselves correctly with the other teeth. However, often, they can lead to discomfort, pain, and various health issues.
When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary when they:
- Don’t have enough space to grow properly and are impacted. This can cause pain, infection, or gum disease.
- Grow at an odd angle, which can cause discomfort and affect the adjacent tooth.
- Lead to cyst development, which can harm the roots of nearby teeth and destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
Our team at Portland Oral Surgery can examine your teeth and provide a definitive answer as to whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary for your specific case.
The Right Time for Removal
Typically, wisdom teeth are removed in the late teens or early twenties as the roots are not fully developed, and the bone is less dense. This makes for easier and less risky extractions. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if problems or potential issues arise.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
At Portland Oral Surgery, we ensure that wisdom teeth removal is as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Here’s what typically happens:
- Initial checkup: We first conduct a full examination and take X-rays if necessary.
- Anesthetic: Before the removal process, anesthetic is applied around the tooth. Depending on the situation, sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
- Extraction: Using specialized tools, our oral surgeon will remove the tooth and stitch the wound if necessary.
Any unease or discomfort post-procedure can be easily managed with painkillers. Most people recover from wisdom teeth surgery in a few days.
The Consequences of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems and you do not get them removed, complications can develop, such as:
- Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against other teeth causing misalignment and pain.
- Sinus issues: Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
- Decay and gum diseases: Partial eruptions can lead to oral diseases, cavities, and inflammation of gums.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent many of these problems.
Consult with Portland Oral Surgery
If you or your young adult is experiencing discomfort due to wisdom teeth or you’re uncertain about the status of your wisdom teeth, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Portland Oral Surgery. Our expertise in oral surgery, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery makes us highly proficient at diagnosing and treating issues related to wisdom teeth. Your oral health is our utmost priority, and we’re here to guide and support you in the best possible way.
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