09 Jul Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you’ve reached your teens or early twenties, you may have heard your dentist talking about when your wisdom teeth should be removed. These are your third molars and typically erupt later than your other pearly whites. They are commonly removed to avoid oral health problems in the future, even if they are not currently causing issues for your smile. In today’s blog, your Charlottesville VA, oral surgery team is here to answer some questions you may have about this procedure, including why it is necessary and what you can expect.
Where They Get The Name
You may be wondering why these are referred to as “wisdom teeth.” They get their namesake because they tend to erupt in your later teens or early twenties. Since they come in when you are older, they are called that because you are gaining wisdom. They are the last set of molars that come in and are at the very back of your top and bottom arches of teeth. In some circumstances, you may not notice at all that these have erupted. They may not cause you any discomfort at all. The molars may become impacted in other patients, which could result in some discomfort or sensitivity in the affected area.
Keep Your Smile Safe
This set of molars is not essential to your oral health functions. They can put your oral health at risk of damage. For this reason, your dentist may recommend having them removed before they fully erupt. One of the most common reasons they are extracted is if they become impacted. When this happens, the tooth cannot come past the gumline because there is not enough space. You may notice discomfort or soreness around the area. Leaving an impacted molar without treatment could put you at risk of an infection. The reasons they may be removed are to make space for orthodontic care, to prevent decay, and to protect your smile from future potential injuries.
Pre- And Post-Op Care
We understand that any invasive oral surgery can be intimidating for some patients, but our team is here to make this process as easy as possible for you. Before your procedure, you will have a consultation with your oral surgeon to go over the extraction process. We can also answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure and give you a list of instructions to follow afterward. Sedation will be used during the surgery to keep you comfortable, and in most cases, you will not remember the surgery at all.
We’re Here For Your Oral Surgery Needs
Is it time for you to have your wisdom teeth taken out? Make a plan with our Charlottesville VA, oral surgery team today by calling (434) 282-2275. We can answer the questions you may have and help you prepare for your procedure.