Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth?

To remove wisdom teeth, or not- that is the question for many dental patients as the summer months approach.  This question is best answered by your Dallas dentist, Dr. Jack Burroughs.  Because wisdom teeth removal is a hot topic, we would like to share a few insights about wisdom teeth, clinically referred to as third molars, to help shed some light on the subject.

Does Everybody Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although known for causing symptoms such as pain and infection, not all wisdom teeth must be removed.  When you see your dentist for a regular check-up, he will evaluate the health and position of your wisdom teeth to determine whether they are likely to pose a problem now or in the future.  There are a number of reasons why wisdom teeth would be recommended for extraction.  Here are some of the most common problems associated with them:

• Chronic infection, inflammation
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease or bone loss
• Impacted wisdom teeth with development of cyst
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Dental crowding

Early Intervention for Wisdom Teeth Problems

If your dentist diagnoses a problem or a potential problem with your wisdom teeth, he will recommend that you have them removed.  Some wisdom teeth problems develop slowly over time, and some, such as tooth decay and chronic infection can be painful and require quick action to alleviate symptoms.  If your dentist has recommended removal of wisdom teeth that are not painful, ask him why.  It is important to understand the reasons why the treatment is being recommended.

Some wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath bone and gum tissue.  These teeth can be malpositioned, sometimes growing in sideways.  Impacted teeth can develop cysts or tumors around them that can destroy surrounding bone or damage the adjacent teeth.  Pain may not be a symptom of teeth diagnosed as impacted or malpositioned.

Many dentists and orthodontists recommend removal of the wisdom teeth in order to maintain the results achieved through braces or Invisalign treatment.  As wisdom teeth come in, they can place pressure on the other teeth, causing them to move out of position or relapse into dental crowding.  Removing the wisdom teeth before they are able to cause shifting of the other teeth can help maintain the results from orthodontic treatment.

Convenient and Stress- Free Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your Dallas dentist offers patients wisdom teeth removal with IV sedation right in the comfort and familiarity of our dental office.  Our in-house extraction dentist can provide the surgical services needed to remove problem wisdom teeth safely, comfortably, and in the familiar setting of our office. Patients sleep peacefully during treatment, making wisdom teeth extraction stress-free and comfortable.

Summer is a popular time for wisdom teeth surgery, and we have set aside time to make it easy for you to schedule your appointment while school is out.  If wisdom tooth removal has been recommended for you or your child, please contact our office to schedule your appointment today.