Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
May 11, 2021
Did you know that as you approach adulthood, or as your kids do, up to four new teeth could erupt in the rear of the mouth? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, could mean serious trouble for the smile, causing misalignment and even infection. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist explains how we remove these teeth, and why this is so essential.
The Dangers of Your Third Molars
Our smile has evolved over time to comfortably accommodate 28 teeth. However, the arrival of the wisdom teeth means forcing 32 teeth into this space. While at one time these additional teeth served a purpose, now they only serve to disrupt our oral health. The arrival could mean a painful partial eruption known as an impaction, as well as dental infection, damaged teeth, and even dental misalignment. To avoid these complications, we urge people to have them removed completely before they even erupt, protecting the stability of your smile.
The Extraction Process and Recovery
We start with a detailed exam using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We then identify the positions of the wisdom teeth, and whether they will cause problems for your smile. When you return for the procedure, we will administer a local anesthesia and sedation to help you enter a calm and relaxed state. Next, we open the gums above the teeth so we can access them with forceps and gently remove them. The extraction site is sutured closed, and a friend or family member will bring you home, as sedation takes time to wear off completely. At home, for the first day you will rest, consume only soft foods, avoid straws, and take any prescribed medications as instructed. When you return for a follow-up visit, we will remove the sutures.
Potential Tooth Replacement Options
We also perform extractions for cases of damage or infection too severe to be treated with a crown or a root canal. We could take out teeth loosened by gum disease too! In these situations, a gap is now present in your smile that could complicate your oral health. To fill the gap, we could create and place a lifelike and custom-fitted dental prosthetic, such as a bridge, partial denture, or a dental implant. Our team is ready to ensure you continue to enjoy optimal oral health and a complete smile! If you have any questions about tooth extraction, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Oral Surgery?
We’re ready to safely and comfortably remove wisdom teeth and safeguard your smile. To learn more about our extraction process or about replacing missing teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.