Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

extracted wisdom tooth next to a small mirror

We want every patient to keep their natural teeth if possible, which is why modern dentistry has restorative services like fillings, crowns, root canals, and so on. Wisdom teeth are different, however. Why would these teeth need to be removed?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, which are also known as your third molars, grow way back in your mouth. While people have most of their adult teeth by around age 14, the wisdom teeth erupt between 15-25 years old. Unfortunately, many people don’t have enough space in their jaw for these teeth, which can lead to lots of issues.

What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Don’t Grow Properly?

There are a few things that can go wrong with your wisdom teeth. They can become impacted, which is when they get stuck beneath your gums. They can also grow in at a strange angle, which puts pressure on your other teeth and moves them out of alignment. All these issues increase your risk for decay, infections, and more.

What’s Wisdom Teeth Removal Like?

We remove wisdom teeth with oral surgery. We’ll first numb the area with a topical anesthetic, so the extraction isn’t painful. You will feel pressure as we take out the teeth. If you prefer to be as relaxed as possible, we also offer dental sedation. Recovery usually takes about a week, although some people need more time. We’ll always go over what to eat, how much to rest, and so on, so your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Hooks Family Dentistry in College Station, Texas

For most people, wisdom teeth are nothing but trouble. We can often tell when wisdom teeth aren’t going to erupt properly, so we’ll remove them before symptoms start. If you still have your wisdom teeth but they start causing you discomfort, it’s probably time to remove them. Have questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hooks or Dr. Perry? Please reach out to us today!

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