Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy; wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and there’s enough space for them to come in normally, your dentist will likely recommend that you let them come in naturally. Sometimes, your wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly and become stuck below the gum line. This is called impaction. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you should make an appointment to see your dentist for an evaluation. This is because impacted teeth can damage bone or other teeth around them and cause other painful symptoms. They can also lead to cysts or tumors developing on your jaw.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. In fact, approximately 90% of people have all four wisdom teeth. However, there are times when extraction is the best option, such as when wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted teeth are those that have not erupted from under the gums properly and tend to be positioned at an angle or sideways in the mouth. This can result in pain, infection, and crowding of the healthy teeth. Additionally, surrounding gum tissue and bone may be damaged during the process of trying to remove the tooth. For this reason, it is healthier for everyone’s oral health to have the impacted teeth removed before they cause damage to the healthy mouth tissues. Furthermore, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause severe pain in the jaw, ear, and even the neck if it is not removed.
Patients can rest assured knowing that our team at Fear Free Dental does everything possible to make the procedure as comfortable as possible! From numbing agents to sedation dentistry, we will do everything we can to make sure patients are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. We will explain the process step by step so that there are no surprises, and we will make sure patients are educated about what to expect after the procedure.
Surgical extractions are necessary for many teeth that are considered “impacted” or “buried.” On the day of your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to numb the area and prevent you from feeling pain during the treatment. The dentist will then remove wisdom teeth from your jawbone by loosening them and then removing them with forceps or with help from surgical laser technology. Stitches will be used to close up the incision in the gums. Once you heal, your jawbone should fill in where the teeth were removed, and your smile will be restored.
Contact Fear Free Dental in Portland, Oregon, for the best dental care. Call the Dentist in Portland, OR at (503) 291-0000 or visit 4455 Sw Scholls Ferry Rd Suite 101 Portland, Oregon, 97225 to schedule an appointment.
MON - WED 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
THU 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
FRI - SUN Closed
