Most people have cut all of their teeth by the time they are in their pre-teen years, but in some cases, you may be an adult before your wisdom teeth grow in. The wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth and are known as the Third Molars. Unfortunately, the wisdom teeth don’t always have room to grow in and may become impacted, requiring you to see an oral surgeon to have them removed.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth
If there is room in the back of your mouth for your wisdom teeth to break through and align properly, then they do not need to be removed. However, most people only have room for 28 teeth to grow in, which means wisdom teeth may end up either growing sideways or trying to break through beneath other teeth. If this is the case, they need to be removed by one of the oral surgeons in Wilmington, NC recommended by your dentist.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be quite painful, but they can cause more problems than just growing in incorrectly. In some cases, wisdom teeth that have partially erupted, or broken through the gums, can leave an opening in the gums that allows bacteria to grow, causing an infection. Tumors or cysts can also grow around the impacted teeth and cause the deterioration of the other surrounding teeth or the jawbone.
Oral surgeons will remove the impacted teeth at their surgical clinic, before they can become an issue. The earlier impacted wisdom teeth are found, the better, because then they cannot erupt or cause other dental problems. Removing them early will prevent other dental complications.
Other Surgical Procedures
Removing wisdom teeth is only one procedure oral surgeons perform for their patients. If teeth have been broken off at or below the gum line, then a patient may need to have them surgically removed. If someone needs full or partial dentures, then they may need multiple teeth removed surgically so they can be fitted with the dental prosthetic.
An oral surgeon may also repair the jawbone for a patient who has a misaligned jaw, either as the result of trauma to the jaw or because of its natural pattern of growth. This surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, can help patients when orthodontics cannot adequately treat a bite problem. A misaligned jaw can cause speech impediments, chronic pain, TMJ, difficulties in chewing, swallowing or biting and even breathing problems.
An oral surgeon will work in cooperation with your dentist to take care of any dental issues you have that require surgery. Whether it is removing impacted wisdom teeth or realigning your jaw, they can help you regain the use of your teeth.
