Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge. They grow out during the late teens and early twenties, which is why they’re called ‘wisdom’ teeth. Unfortunately, they don’t always grow out straight and can be misaligned. At Hunsaker Dental, we regularly handle wisdom teeth extraction procedures. Why Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Needed?
Our experienced Salem dentist will examine them carefully and keep track of their development. We will recommend extraction if it becomes clear that the teeth will cause problems down the line. We are thorough and always focus on the patient’s comfort and full recovery after tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth emerge late in life after all the other teeth are fully formed. If they emerge properly and are well-aligned, they can actually improve quality of life and be an asset in the mouth. Unfortunately, they tend to emerge misaligned and sometimes they don’t emerge completely.
If wisdom teeth are impacted (don’t emerge completely) or are misaligned, they can cause several problems. Some of these problems include:
Damage To The Adjacent Teeth –
If the wisdom teeth are misaligned, they push the adjacent teeth and can cause damage. Poor alignment can be in any direction. The wisdom teeth can grow towards the second molars, away from them, or be angled inward or outward.
Damage To The Jawbone –
If the misalignment isn’t treated or the wisdom tooth isn’t extracted, it can cause strain to the jawbone. That can lead to long-term damage. A misaligned wisdom tooth can also cause damage to the nerves in the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissue, which can lead to a lot of pain.
Infection Under The Gums –
Wisdom teeth that haven’t emerged completely are often only partially concealed under gum tissue. This creates an open pocket where bacteria can grow. That can lead to a serious and painful infection. Partially emerged teeth are harder to clean, which makes them vulnerable to infection.
As you can see, wisdom teeth are often more trouble than they are worth, which is why it is a good idea to get them extracted early.
Why Are Regular Wisdom Teeth Inspections Necessary?
Dr. Travis Hunsaker and his Salem dental team will encourage patients to schedule wisdom teeth inspections for their teens. This allows us to keep an eye on their development. He will take X-rays and conduct a visual exam periodically to keep track.
It is a good idea to extract the teeth early because their roots take some time to develop. The extraction is easier and doesn’t cause as much discomfort if the roots aren’t securely anchored to the jaw.
Salem wisdom teeth extractions aren’t complicated. Our dentist will explain the entire procedure to you and your teen carefully. We will also make sure your teen is comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
If you want to know more about Salem wisdom teeth extraction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Hunsaker Dental. You can contact us through our website or visit one of our locations located in Salem or Monmouth today!