08 Aug Wisdom teeth removal: What are the benefits?
Between the ages of 17 and 24, most adults will have a discussion about wisdom teeth with their dentist or oral surgeon. The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to develop in the later teen years and are frequently recommended for extraction.
Often, for your health, the wisdom teeth are recommended for removal as soon as they have been deemed problematic. For your comfort, you may seek an oral surgeon who practices sedation dentistry in Charlottesville. With sedation, most patients find the extraction procedure to be more relaxing and comfortable than with local anesthetic alone.
The benefits of removing the wisdom teeth are numerous, but the most commonly cited reasons for extraction include:
- Impaction- Whether the wisdom teeth are completely or partially encased in the gum or bone, impacted teeth can be a problem. If the teeth are unable to fully erupt through the gums and bone, damage is more likely to occur. Below the surface, cysts can form, as well as damage to the bone and neighboring tooth roots. When partially impacted, bacteria can colonize below the gum tissue, causing infection or tooth decay.
- Hygiene- Even when fully erupted, wisdom teeth can be difficult or impossible to clean. Due to their location and position, simply brushing and flossing the wisdom teeth can be challenging. Unfortunately, failure to properly clean all of the teeth can lead to gum disease and decay. Your oral surgeon may recommend removing the wisdom teeth if you are unable to clean them. This decision may also enable you to better care for your remaining teeth.
- Orthodontics- In order to move and properly align the teeth, it is often necessary to remove teeth and create additional space for the remaining teeth. In some circumstances, the wisdom teeth will be recommended for removal in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The choice to remove the wisdom teeth should be a mutual decision between each patient and oral surgeon. For patients who are especially apprehensive about treatment, sedation dentistry may be a comforting choice. To find out if you could benefit from the removal of your wisdom teeth, contact the office of Dr. Carlos R. Ibañez at 434-295-0911 today.