Why Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Young adults typically have their wisdom teeth erupt between ages 17 and 21. Unfortunately, these third molars often cause complications and must be removed. If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you are in good hands. Your trusted team at High Street Dentistry utilizes cutting-edge technology, gentle techniques, and the latest in sedation dentistry options to provide you with a relaxing, pain-free experience.

Why Would You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The following are the most common reasons dentists recommend having your wisdom teeth removed:

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth are impacted in many cases because most people do not have enough room in their jaws for these extra molars. Impacted teeth can cause pressure and pain and may lead to infection or abscesses, damaging the roots of the neighboring teeth and eroding the supporting bone.
• Partial Eruption: Wisdom teeth sometimes partially emerge, making them hard to clean effectively. That creates a hotbed of bacteria, leading to periodontal (gum) disease and oral infection.
• Overcrowding: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in, they push the neighboring teeth aside, leading to crooked teeth and a crowded mouth. That can interfere with the health and beauty of your smile.
• Cavities: Wisdom teeth are often challenging to brush and floss properly, being far at the back of the mouth. That can lead to cavities, which may damage the nearby teeth.
• Infection: Tooth impaction or crowding caused by wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation. Once inflammation and infection set in, they are very challenging to treat and often spread to the surrounding areas.
• Tumors or Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of small tumors or cysts in the jawbone. That can lead to TMJ pain and discomfort.
• Sinus Problems: An impacted wisdom tooth can affect your sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, and congestion. Removing your wisdom teeth will help alleviate your discomfort and restore your health.
• The Risk of Future Problems: Even if your wisdom teeth fully emerge and are not causing any symptoms, we may recommend extracting them if they have the potential to cause problems. Our goal is to safeguard your future oral health.

What Can You Expect?

We will meet with you to evaluate your unique needs and discuss the wisdom tooth removal procedure. Most patients report minimal to no discomfort with the help of local anesthesia and our sedation dentistry options. After your oral surgery, we will monitor you for some time at our office to ensure everything is on track. We will also provide post-extraction instructions and prescribe pain medication for use as needed. 

Promoting Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Make sure to follow the instructions we provide you to promote healing. It’s important to refrain from smoking, spitting, drinking through a straw, or rinsing forcefully for at least 48 hours after your wisdom teeth extraction. Otherwise, you may dislodge the blood clots forming in the tooth sockets, leading to a painful complication called dry socket.

If you develop a fever, have increased pain or bleeding at the extraction site, or have any concerns, please contact our office immediately for guidance.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

Contact High Street Dentistry to determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. If that’s the case, you’re in good hands. Our skilled and experienced team never spares any effort to ensure you receive exceptional, gentle care. Call us to schedule your appointment today!