Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also called secondary molars, are last set of teeth to come in and they usually start to appear during the late teens or early twenties. In some cases they fit right in and complete the dental structure just fine. But more times than not, they cause problems with the existing teeth and compromise the structure and integrity of the mouth. In these cases, wisdom tooth removal is a common recommendation many dentists offer. Talk to Dr. Patel at Piedmont Oral & Facial Surgery today about whether or not wisdom tooth removal is something you need to consider.
Wisdom teeth have a tendency to be crooked and misaligned, which causes other teeth to be crowded and makes them shift out of alignment. Damage can be done to the teeth and gums as the existing teeth push and crowd the jaw. Wisdom teeth may never come in and rather become impacted, which means they are still in the gum and jawbone yet are already crowding the teeth. Impacted teeth can cause swelling, jaw stiffness, pain, and general illness when they are not taken care of.
According to the American Dental Association, the following are signs that may indicate you should talk to your dentist about wisdom teeth removal options:
• Pain and swelling of the gums near the back of the jaw
• Bleeding around the area where the wisdom teeth are/should be located
• Repeated infections in the gums at the back of the mouth
• Cysts and abscesses around the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth
• Damage detected to teeth caused by misalignment
• Gum disease and bacterial plague build up around partially exposed wisdom teeth
• Shifting in the spacing and alignment of existing teeth
• Extensive tooth decay has been detected despite good oral hygiene
Sometimes it may be difficult to determine on your own whether or not wisdom teeth removal is the best option for you and your overall dental health. This is why it is so important to talk with your dentist at Piedmont Oral & Facial Surgery and discuss any symptoms, problems, concerns, or questions you may have about your overall dental health and wellness.
