Wisdom teeth removal can be important in protecting your long-term oral health. The third molars, commonly called the wisdom teeth, are troublesome for most people. Consequently, oral surgeons encourage patients to have these teeth out as early as possible.
Last to appear, these teeth are situated in the back of the mouth. Unfortunately, many patients lack adequate room for them. This causes a variety of potentially painful challenges that can significantly degrade your oral health.
Breaking through between the ages of 18 and 25, the third molars contribute little to function, appearance or oral health. Just the opposite, in fact, which is why oral surgeons recommend that patients have these troublesome teeth removed before they have a chance to cause any harm.
The Problem with Wisdom Teeth
These teeth are highly likely to cause crowding and misalignment, potentially accompanied by pain and infection.
For many patients, these complications can be severe, degrading oral health and causing damage to other teeth. Because the third molars can be virtually impossible to brush and floss properly, patients can develop gum disease that can lead to complications, including the loss of healthy teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal in Richmond, Indiana
In some cases, these molars can grow at an unusual angle. Instead of erupting upward like normal teeth, impacted third molars grow horizontally below the gum line, exerting pressure on the other teeth.
Over time, if left intact, impacted third molars may cause inflammation or infection, making extraction more complex and more likely to damage the adjoining teeth and tooth roots. As a result, patients may develop cysts that can cause serious damage to the underlying bone, gum tissue and nerves. Cysts can even progress into tumors.
For this reason, oral surgeons recommend removing impacted molars as early as possible.
Extracting impacted third molars before the patient turns 18 can minimize the risks and potential damage. Younger patients also have a better capacity for healing, reducing the risk of complications.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
As long as there are no significant complications, our oral surgeons perform third molar extraction in our Richmond office. For most patients, we use safe and effective IV sedation, so you will be comfortable and unaware during the brief procedure. However, when sedation is involved, you must have someone with you to drive you home.
The recovery period is generally brief, and most patients return to work or school in a few days or less — even if the teeth were impacted.
If you would like to have this procedure before you develop complications, you can schedule your extraction just before a long weekend or during a break in your schedule. Our office will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure an expeditious recovery.
Waiting for problems to arise will make the extraction more complicated and potentially lengthen the recovery period. Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC today to schedule a consultation to learn more about the importance of wisdom teeth removal.
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