Menu
Menu
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Q & A
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that form in the back of your mouth in the upper and lower jaw. Most people develop four wisdom teeth that erupt during their late teenage years or early adulthood.
Unlike your other teeth, wisdom teeth aren’t critical for chewing and aren’t an essential component of a healthy mouth.
Why do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in straight and require no dental intervention. However, because wisdom teeth are the final teeth to erupt and there’s little room left for them in your mouth, they frequently become impacted. Wisdom teeth can cause crowding, pain, and infection unless removed.
If you’ve worn braces, wisdom teeth can also cause your other teeth to misalign and quickly undo months or years of orthodontic work.
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
The experts at Mill Basin Dentistry General Cosmetic monitor your overall dental health at each of your appointments. X-rays help your dentist gauge the position and growth of your wisdom teeth and determine the right time for extraction.
With routine dental exams and care, it’s unlikely that the eruption of your wisdom teeth will come as a surprise. Here are some telltale signs:
- Gum pain
- Jaw pain
- Swollen gums
- Foul breath
- Bitter taste in your mouth
What can I expect during wisdom teeth removal?
Depending on the number of teeth you’re having removed, the doctors at Mill Basin Dentistry General Cosmetic use a local anesthetic to numb your gums. You may receive general anesthesia whether you’re having some or all of your wisdom teeth extracted.
If your teeth have erupted, your dentist uses a specially designed tool to gently massage and pry each tooth from its socket. For impacted teeth, the dentist makes a short incision in your gums to remove the tooth in small pieces.
After sterilizing the gums to remove debris, your dentist applies gauze at the extraction site to manage the bleeding. Two or three dissolvable stitches may be needed.
For thorough and compassionate removal of your wisdom teeth, call Mill Basin Dentistry General Cosmetic now or book your appointment online.
