Wisdom Teeth Removal
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth – also known as your third molars – are the very last of our permanent teeth to grow in (erupt). Most adults have four wisdom teeth, and they are located behind the other molars. They usually erupt in our late teens or early twenties, and most people need to have them removed.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth
Most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed to protect the rest of their teeth. Often, people don’t have the space in their mouths for their wisdom teeth. This means that, when they erupt, they may cause crowding, forcing the existing teeth to shift, or they may grow in from odd angles – even horizontally. If wisdom teeth remain buried in the gums, they may eventually become impacted. This will cause an abscess or infection that weakens the bone supporting the roots of other teeth.
Other Possible Complications
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they are unable to erupt fully due to space constraints beneath the gum line. This can be painful and may damage the jaw and teeth nearby. Surgery might be necessary to extract the tooth if it cannot erupt.
- Cysts: An infection may occur if food particles become trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth. This may result in the development of a cyst, which can damage the surrounding healthy tissue. It can also weaken your jawbone or harm the roots of neighboring molars.
- Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth may be difficult to reach when brushing and flossing. Plaque can accumulate around them, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Extraction
Extraction is what we call it when we remove teeth from your mouth. If and when you or a loved one need to have wisdom teeth extracted, we can do it right here in our office. After extraction, we will provide you with instructions and the information you will need to ensure proper healing.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extraction or want to make an appointment to discuss it, contact us at one of our offices located in Meeker, CO or Rangely, CO. We would love to hear from you and help you schedule your next appointment.