Most of your teeth will have fully grown by the time you reach adulthood. However, our third molars (wisdom teeth) come in a bit later. Usually, these structures come in during your late teen years or early twenties. You may notice symptoms like swelling to your gums, sensitivity when chewing, or headaches. When this happens, your dentist may recommend having them removed. Today, your Sunny Smiles team explains why your third molars are extracted.
Your Third Molars Can Disrupt Your Smile
There are many reasons why your dentist may suggest having these removed. First, they are unnecessary to the function and appearance of your smile. For the most part, your dental team will prioritize keeping your natural pearly whites for as long as possible. Wisdom teeth are the exception for this because they are not necessary. Scientists believe that our ancestors needed these to help chew food. Today, they are no longer needed for this purpose. They can also cause more trouble for your oral health. When they begin to erupt, it can cause sensitivity and discomfort for your smile. In some cases, it can even cause your other teeth to become overcrowded and misaligned. Removing these structures before they cause problems can help protect your oral health. If these molars do fully erupt, they can be hard to keep clean. As a result, you could develop decay that will need to be restored later. Extracting them can save you the need for more invasive restorations and other treatments. You may not have to wait for these molars to cause you discomfort. Instead, your dentist can track their growth and development during your biannual dentist appointment. They can watch as they begin to erupt and schedule the extraction before any damage is caused.
What To Expect During The Extraction
Being told you need to undergo oral surgery can be intimidating for many patients. Our team will do their best to help guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable. Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will explain when and why it is necessary. When it is time for the removal, you may be sedated and the area around it can be numbed. This can help you feel comfortable but able to respond when required. The surgeon will make an incision around the tooth and gently remove it. In total, patients can have up to four wisdom teeth. They will be taken out and the area will be closed. Your dentist can give you specific aftercare instructions to ensure it heals properly. You may need to take a few days off of work, school, or other responsibilities so that you can heal.
Learn More By Talking To Our Team
To schedule an appointment for a wisdom tooth removal or another treatment, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.