What are wisdom teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are also known as your third molars. Everyone has wisdom teeth, but unlike the first and second molars, wisdom teeth typically don’t appear at the back of the mouth until you are between the ages of 18 and 25. These are the last permanent teeth to develop.
Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, although it is common for most young adults to do so. Wisdom teeth do not need to be removed if there is enough room in the back of your mouth for them to erupt properly. More often than not, however, wisdom teeth prove to be problematic. Because most people do not have enough room for their wisdom teeth, they will only partly erupt or not at all; this is what dentists call “impacted” wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause a series of problems, including:
- Tooth decay due to being difficult to clean
- Gum infection from overlapping with the gums, which can cause swelling and airway obstruction
- Damage to neighboring teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Cysts and tumors, although tumors are very uncommon
- Increased risk of jaw fracture, particularly when playing contact sports
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you will most likely need them removed. Dr. Douglas Doran will evaluate your situation to determine any possible risks of keeping your wisdom teeth and provide any necessary treatment plans.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Most wisdom teeth are removed in one of three ways:
- Local anesthesia: For this procedure, dentists will simply numb your mouth like when you receive a dental filling. Typically, this procedure is only for single-tooth removals.
- IV sedation and local anesthesia: First, patients will receive an IV sedation that will keep you awake but very relaxed and unaware of any pain. Then, our dentist will apply local anesthesia. Patients will have no memory of the procedure. This is the most common and possibly the best option for removing wisdom teeth.
- General anesthesia: Patients will receive a general anesthesia that will put them to sleep until the procedure is complete. This is only available in fully equipped operating areas and is typically performed only when there are specific risk factors as part of the extraction process.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and our dentist at Rivereast Dental Group is highly experienced to provide you with the proper diagnosis and treatment. Our team will help you feel comfortable before, during, and after your procedure, and ensure that your smile remains healthy and beautiful. For more details about wisdom teeth removal in Marlborough, Connecticut, we invite you to call our office today at 860.295.9536.