If they are called “wisdom teeth,” why would you want to remove them? Wisdom teeth, also knows as your third molars, are the final teeth to come in and a source of problems for many people.
At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we evaluate the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine if and when they should be removed to prevent any dental health compromises.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
Most people experience wisdom teeth eruption between ages 17 and 25. Erupting wisdom teeth have a tendency to put pressure on neighboring teeth and cause misalignment. A wisdom tooth is said to be impacted if it cannot erupt correctly due to gum tissue, bone, or another tooth blocking the pathway.
Surgery to remove wisdom teeth is usually recommended to help patients avoid the pain, crowding, and potential infection of impaction. In fact, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is now recommending wisdom teeth removal even in cases where the teeth are not impacted in order to prevent future disease.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
The AAOMS recommends having wisdom teeth removed during young adulthood, regardless of whether they are below the gumline, partially erupted, or fully erupted.
The procedure takes place in an oral surgeon’s office with local or general anesthesia. Incisions are made in the gum tissue, the teeth are removed either whole or in pieces depending on your situation, and the gums are sutured up. Afterwards, you will need to rely on liquids and soft foods until the area begins to heal. Full recovery is generally achieved within two weeks.
Are Yours Ready to Come Out?
If you would like to check the condition of your wisdom teeth, you can set up a dental wellness visit, where my team and I will take X-rays and evaluate their position. After a thorough physical examination and review of your films, I can give you recommendations on how to best handle your wisdom teeth. If surgery is necessary, I will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for the procedure.
To learn more about wisdom teeth and how they affect your dental health, please contact my Boulder dental practice to schedule your personal consultation.
Dr. Ania
Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry
