Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dallas, TX
Unfortunately, wisdom teeth do not provide wisdom. Instead, they often cause problems in adolescents and adults. Most people simply don’t have enough room to accommodate third molars. As a result, wisdom teeth often become encased in gum or bone tissue, which causes pain and pressure. Infection may also occur, which can damage the jawbone and adjacent teeth. In rare circumstances, wisdom teeth develop into cysts or tumors that create a larger problem and require more extensive oral surgery. If wisdom teeth do erupt, they typically crowd existing teeth. Crowding makes for an unappealing smile and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Eliminating Problems Before They Start
Dr. Gannon, Dr. Lee, Dr. Sherry, and Dr. Wallace of Dallas Oral Surgery Associates recommend wisdom teeth removal during the teen years, before problems develop. Our doctors have undergone advanced dental and medical training. They use state-of-the-art technology, soothing sedation, and expert skill to remove wisdom teeth and create healthy, comfortable smiles.
So while we can’t give your teenagers wisdom, we can help you make a smart choice!
How Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
An impacted tooth is one that cannot properly erupt through the gums. Your wisdom teeth can become impacted for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of impacted wisdom teeth include:
| • |
Not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all of your teeth.
|
| • |
You have bone or soft tissue blocking the path of the tooth, preventing it from erupting properly, or at all.
|
| • |
The wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, rather than up through the gums. They may even be growing sideways. |
Effects of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When the wisdom teeth are impacted, many issues can develop. Issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:
| • |
Overcrowding. If there is insufficient space in your jaw, the wisdom teeth can force adjacent teeth out of alignment as they attempt to erupt. This continues to put pressure on your other teeth, creating a domino effect. Your teeth become crooked and your smile overcrowded. This alters your bite and can cause serious issues such as an increased risk for tooth decay and tooth damage, as well as bruxism and TMJ disorder.
|
| • |
A localized infection, or pericoronitis. If your wisdom teeth are only able to erupt partially, the back of your mouth becomes very difficult to keep clean. Bacteria, food particles, and plaque are all able to accumulate, which can lead to a localized infection.
|
| • |
A cyst. A cyst can form as a result of an impacted tooth or because of an infection. This is a fluid-filled sac that continues to grow in size the longer it goes untreated. Eventually, it can begin to destroy your jawbone. You may even require a bone graft after the issue is finally treated.
|
| • |
Damage to adjacent teeth. If your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, or sideways, toward the adjacent teeth, they can collide with the other teeth. As they continue to grow, they can press on the teeth, which can cause serious damage below the gumline. |
 Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When your wisdom teeth are impacted, the best way to treat them is to remove them. Wisdom tooth removal is done with a surgical extraction. This procedure is performed under a local anesthetic as well as sedation. The local anesthetic prevents you from feeling any pain while sedation helps you to feel relaxed and comfortable.
A surgical extraction begins with incisions in your gums near the impacted teeth. This exposes the teeth under the gums, as well as the surrounding bone. Next, the impacted teeth are removed. This may require the removal of a small amount of bone. The teeth may need to be broken into sections and removed in separate pieces. Once the teeth have been removed, the sockets are cleaned, and your gums are sutured closed.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal:
If your wisdom teeth are causing significant pain at the back of your jaw and you are finding it difficult to move your mouth, they may be impacted and in need of removal. Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates at one of our two locations in Dallas and Plano, TX to schedule your appointment. |
