Wisdom Teeth begin to erupt around the age of 18. While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, most people do because there is not enough space in their mouth. This lack of space can lead to crowding and other issues as wisdom teeth shove against the molars so they in turn shove against others.
Cleaning crowded wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted can be exceptionally difficult, leading to cavities and gum inflammation. Early diagnosis is essential so that wisdom teeth can be extracted before these issues occur.
Wisdom teeth are the third and final molars located on each side of the upper and lower jaws. The last teeth to erupt in an adult mouth, they tend to appear during a client’s teens or early twenties. Despite their late appearance, these teeth begin developing near the age of 7.
Dental experts continue to debate the purpose of wisdom teeth, as they are not necessary for chewing and often need to be extracted. Some theorize they were meant to replace molars worn down from a diet of hard-textured foods such as meat and are no longer required now that our diets are softer.
Wisdom teeth can lead to infections, discomfort, pain, tooth decay, and gum disease. We recommend having them examined when you are between the ages of 16 and 19 to avoid any difficulties. Your dentist will take x-rays to confirm the status of your wisdom teeth. More severe cases involve cysts forming beneath the wisdom teeth. In these instances, the wisdom tooth must be removed entirely.
Wisdom tooth pain can sneak up on you, as they erupt slowly and are often dismissed at first. Your dentist may recommend extraction before the teeth fully grow in to avoid potential problems and to take advantage of your body’s faster healing at a younger age, before roots are not yet fully developed and while the bone is less dense. Another complication is that you don’t want to remove them too early— removing wisdom teeth at an early age can cause a higher risk of damage in the inferior alveolar nerve (jaw nerve). Dentists often prefer removing wisdom teeth from patients in their late teens or 20s.
In addition to potentially growing in crooked, wisdom teeth can also be impacted— enclosed within soft tissue or the jawbone, only partially breaking through the gum. Impacted and partially erupted wisdom teeth open the door for bacteria and infection. This can result in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and illness. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are also vulnerable to decay and gum disease, as they are hard to reach and thus hard to clean.
Our team prioritizes your comfort when it comes to this procedure. We understand that wisdom teeth extractions can lead to anxiety and uncertainty. We want to ensure that you feel at ease through the entire process.
In addition to clearly laying out what you can expect during the procedure, we also offer two forms of sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout: Nitrous Oxide Analgesia and Oral Conscious Sedation.
A myriad of reasons can lead to the decision to have your wisdom teeth extracted. A thorough conversation with your dentist is the first step. But don’t worry! You won’t have to drive halfway across the state and set multiple appointments— here at Tiger Smile Family Dentistry , we have a dedicated team of dentists focused on this oral surgery.
If you have any concerns, our caring staff is ready with answers right up until the procedure begins.
Our team at Tiger Smile Family Dentistry wants to ensure you achieve a pain-free and disease-free mouth as much as possible. We are always here to lend you a helping hand, including in serious cases like wisdom teeth extraction. Drop by our office today and talk with one of our dentists about the right treatment for your oral health.
429 E Airport Ave Suite 3, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-567-8121
Monday & Wednesday – 8am to 5pm
Tuesday & Thursday – 7am to 3pm
Friday to Sunday – Closed
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