For teens and young adults, the arrival of wisdom teeth could mean major changes to the smile, from the onset to misalignment to infection as a result of impaction (partial eruption). However, with a dental extraction, your El Paso, TX, dentists can remove the teeth and prevent the onset of impaction and other complications.
The Dangers of Wisdom Teeth
Arriving in our late teens and early 20s, the wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, could mean the addition of up to four new teeth. While for some this may not make much of an impact, others could experience severe consequences. For example, if the teeth only partially erupt, this could lead to infection and damaged teeth. Complete eruption may cause misalignment to develop, changing the alignment of your teeth. With these complications come discomfort and a greater risk of cavities, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and for some, bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). To help our young patients about these serious complications, we often remove the wisdom teeth before they even erupt.
The Extraction Process
We start by taking detailed digital x-rays of your smile, which provide a clear picture of your smile underneath the gums and bone tissue. From there, we can assess the potential dangers third molars will pose for your smile, and decide if you benefit from removal.
To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, we may administer a local anesthetic, and could even discuss the use of sedation dentistry to ensure you feel calm and relaxed, with little to no memory of the procedure itself. Using oral surgery, we will locate the teeth underneath the gums and jawbone and carefully remove them, taking care not to damage any surrounding structure. We then suture the area closed and you will have a friend or family member bring you home.
Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions for the next few hours and days, so you know how to eat, drink, and care for your smile without complicating the healing process. Of course, we will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your smile throughout the process. Dental extractions also assist in addressing severe infections, major damage, or teeth loosened as a result of gum disease. If the process leaves a gap in your smile, then we can discuss possible replacement options, such as bridges, implant dentistry, or partial dentures. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today!
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO EXTRACTS WISDOM TEETH
Our Sunny Smiles offices can help preserve your smile by removing your third molars. To learn more about the our approach to oral surgery and restorative dental care, please call our East El Paso location on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000!