Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure. Approximately five million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed each year.
“Wisdom teeth” refer to the third molars that typically appear in the mouth when people are between the ages of 17 and 25. It’s the last set of teeth to come in.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are typically the last set of molars to make their appearance in the mouth. They often start to break through the gum line in people between the ages of 17 and 25. If there is room in the mouth and the teeth are coming in properly positioned, then there is rarely a need to remove the wisdom teeth.
Your Cape Coral dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removing your wisdom teeth if your jaw is not large enough to accommodate them. If your dentist tells you that you have impacted wisdom teeth, it means the teeth are partially or completely trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can create problems with speaking, eating, and oral hygiene.
The wisdom teeth may be pressing against other teeth, which can cause those teeth to shift out of alignment. They could also be damaging the jaw bone or increasing the risk for gum disease. Removing the wisdom teeth is often the best course of action.
Wisdom teeth don’t always cause pain, which is why our team uses x-rays to monitor how the teeth are coming in. If it looks like the wisdom teeth may cause problems, then the dentist will likely recommend having the wisdom teeth removed when you’re in your late teens or early 20s. That’s because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed yet, and the bone around the teeth is less dense. Younger people also tend to heal faster than older people.
Whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems or alleviate an existing condition, our dentist will be happy to talk to you about any questions you have. Call our Cape Coral dental office today at (239) 574-2000 to schedule a consultation about wisdom teeth extractions.
