Wisdom Teeth Specialist

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are also sometimes referred to as your third set of molars. They usually don’t come in until the late teenage or early adulthood years, a time when people are said to have gained more wisdom, hence the name. 

Wisdom teeth are an interesting evolutionary holdover. In the distant past, humans ate a diet that required strong teeth to crush and grind nuts, seeds, and fibrous foods. Today, our diet does not require the same level of mastication, which is likely why so many people have jaws that cannot accommodate wisdom teeth. 

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and your dentist can perform X-rays and tell you if yours are present beneath the gum line. Some men and women experience no issues with their wisdom teeth and simply enjoy an extra set of molars. 

Often, however, wisdom teeth cannot fully emerge through your gums. They might be turned sideways and place pressure on the surrounding teeth and nerves, or they might cause crowding in your jaw. 

Partially erupted wisdom teeth are challenging to keep clean, leaving you at an elevated risk for decay or periodontal disease. They can allow bacteria to enter your body and create an infection, which can be painful. 

How are wisdom teeth removed?

You’ll be numbed prior to the treatment and won’t feel a thing from start to finish. Your dentist begins by making an incision to gain access to the wisdom tooth. If there is any bone tissue blocking the tooth, that tissue is removed. 

Next, your dentist uses a special tool to grasp the tooth and dislodge it from the underlying bone. It might be necessary to break the tooth into smaller pieces to make removal easier. 

Your gum tissue is closed with a series of small sutures and a gauze pad is placed to slow bleeding. You’ll receive medication to address pain or prevent infection, and you’ll have personalized after-care instructions to follow. 

If you suspect you need wisdom teeth extraction, call Premium Family Dental to set up a consultation. This procedure is common, and advancements in dental technology have made wisdom teeth extractions far easier than in previous decades. Scheduling takes just moments online or over the phone, so don’t delay.