WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last of your teeth to erupt. They often emerge during your late teens or early 20s. For some people, wisdom teeth come in like the rest of your teeth. However, for many others, wisdom teeth are a source of significant pain. Painful wisdom teeth can be a sign of a serious issue. At National Dental Oakland Gardens, we can solve your wisdom tooth pain by removing them.
A BIT ABOUT YOUR WISDOM TEETH
Many years ago, the human mouth was much different. The jaw was larger, and a third set of molars was required for the proper breakdown of coarse foods. Over time, with the development of cooking, the wisdom teeth became obsolete, and the jaw grew smaller. Third molars still develop today, but anthropologists have labeled them vestigial organs.
CAUSES OF WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
Some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, and they emerge just like any other tooth. However, for many others, the wisdom teeth are a significant source of pain and oral health issues. The biggest issue experienced with wisdom teeth is that they become impacted. These teeth are the most common ones to experience this issue. An impacted tooth is one that simply cannot erupt properly through the gum tissue. It may be blocked, or it may be growing incorrectly. No matter what the reason, impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious issues:
- Pericoronitis. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth may only partially erupt. This can make the area very difficult to keep clean. Bacteria builds up, leading to a localized infection known as pericoronitis.
- Overcrowding. If you do not have enough space for your wisdom teeth in your jaw, they may push against the teeth already present. This can shove them out of proper alignment, and cause your teeth to become overcrowded.
- Cysts. Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, can form as a result of an impacted tooth. Left untreated, these sacs only grow larger, destroying bone mass in their path.
- Damage to adjacent teeth. If your wisdom teeth are growing toward your already present teeth, they can cause serious damage, such as cracks or fractures that can weaken your other teeth and put them at risk for infections.
DIAGNOSING THE CAUSE OF YOUR PAIN
Diagnosing an impacted wisdom tooth requires a thorough exam. We will check the inside of your mouth for signs of a partially erupted tooth, infections, or overcrowding. We will also take a digital X-ray, which will allow us to see your wisdom teeth, what angle they are at, damage to existing teeth, and if there are any cysts. If we find impacted wisdom teeth, we will create a custom treatment plan, and schedule you for a wisdom tooth extraction.
EXTRACTING YOUR WISDOM TEETH
There are two types of extractions. A simple extraction involves gripping the tooth and widening the periodontal ligament so the tooth can be easily lifted out of the socket. In most cases, however, an impacted wisdom tooth will need a surgical extraction. We will administer a local anesthetic to the surgical site(s). Incisions are made in the gum tissue, which exposes the tooth and your jawbone. We then work to extract the tooth. In some cases, we may need to remove some bone, or we may need to break the tooth and remove it in pieces. After the tooth is extracted, we clean the socket and stitch your gums closed.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you significant pain, call National Dental Oakland Gardens at (718) 407-0574 to schedule your consultation today.