Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars on each side of the upper and lower jaw. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 but can also emerge later into adulthood. Many people have four wisdom teeth, although some can have fewer than three or not have them at all.  

When these teeth grow improperly or without having enough space in the mouth, they can cause pain and other complications. In such cases, our dentist at Grant Family Dentistry may recommend having them removed.  

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to inflamed gums, abscesses, cysts, and infections. Most dentists recommend surgically extracting the impacted teeth to alleviate these issues. After extraction, the patient is sent home with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. 

Why Might I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Crowding

When your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt properly, they may pressure your other teeth, causing them to become misaligned. This can also harm your bite and lead to discomfort while chewing.

Impaction

When the wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow, they can get stuck beneath the gum tissues and become impacted. This can cause pain and damage to the surrounding teeth and jaw. If the tooth cannot break through the bone, it may require surgery to be removed.

Cyst Formation

An infection can develop when food particles get stuck around the partially erupted wisdom teeth. This can lead to the formation of a cyst, which can hurt the healthy tissue around it. It can also damage the roots of nearby molars or cause your jawbone to erode.

Gum Disease

If your wisdom teeth are partially exposed, they can be hard to reach when you brush and floss. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, plaque can build up around them and increase your risk of developing gum disease.

The Procedure for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A local anesthetic will be administered before the procedure begins to help you remain comfortable throughout the extraction process. Once the anesthesia takes effect, our dentist will carefully remove any teeth that are impacted or poorly positioned in your mouth.  

After the removal of the teeth, the gums can be sutured if necessary to help the healing process. Gauze and special instructions will be provided before you leave our office to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your recovery. 

To learn more about the benefits of wisdom teeth extractions, visit Grant Family Dentistry at 335 6th St, Meeker, CO 81641, or call (970) 878-5853. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.