Wisdom Teeth Removal - Paradise Valley, AZ

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Paradise Valley Smiles 

Why do people call them wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are called third molars. Third molars don't grow until the dental arch becomes larger, usually around the age of 17- 25, a time also referred to as "wisdom age".

Being the third molars and the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, wisdom teeth are usually extracted or pulled. This is because there is rarely enough room for them to erupt without altering the position of adjacent teeth. When this occurs, wisdom teeth are described as "impacted." Although impacted wisdom teeth can cause considerable pain, they can also lead to tooth infection or abscess.

Significant improvements in dentistry now allow wisdom tooth removal to be gentle, comfortable, and easy for the patient. It doesn't sound like good news when you hear that you have to have your wisdom teeth removed, but Paradise Valley Smiles makes it easy!

Why Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? 

Between the ages of 17 and 25, most people develop a third set of molars that can be valuable if they grow straight and healthy. However, these teeth are sometimes misaligned or impacted and require removal.

Many people have had some or all of their wisdom teeth removed. Usually, we have had them removed because our dentist advised us that it was necessary. Perhaps they were coming in crooked or were putting unnecessary pressure on the jaw or neighboring teeth. 

Still, there are other reasons why wisdom teeth should be removed. Sometimes, an individual's mouth is not large enough to support them. In other cases, individuals may have existing tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore, having an extra set of molars can make it challenging to maintain good oral care.

What Are The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If wisdom teeth cannot erupt or grow into place, they often cause significant oral health problems. Early removal allows you to improve your overall quality of life. 

Some other benefits may include the following: 

Prevention and relief of oral and facial pain 

One of the most annoying problems faced by people who retain wisdom teeth is a pain in the mouth and face. By keeping these third molars, the quality of life is often reduced due to the pain experienced on an ongoing basis. 

Lower risk of oral diseases

Retaining wisdom teeth means an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These common problems lead to more advanced oral infections and discomfort. You also face loss of vital tissues due to these conditions, such as bone loss and receding gums. The sooner you allow your wisdom teeth to be removed, the less likely you will suffer these damages to your oral and physical health.

Less likelihood of crowding 

When wisdom teeth attempt to erupt, they cause unwanted movement of well-established teeth (pushing on other teeth to make room for them). As a result, this intense pressure on the teeth can cause excruciating headaches due to crowding. 

Stop teeth shifting

As wisdom teeth push against the other teeth, an uneven bite line or crooked teeth are often created. With early extraction, this shift will get better. If the movement continues for too long, your dentist may recommend braces or other procedures to straighten the teeth.

Infection prevention

Because of the growth and crowding of wisdom teeth, your mouth can quickly become infected. The constant pressure can cause the gums or underlying bones to become irritated or expose them to bacteria that can cause decay or tooth loss. Constant mouth pain can also mask an infection, making it more challenging to treat early. 

Is It Essential to Extract Wisdom Teeth?

The main reason we must extract wisdom teeth is the lack of space in the mouth. By the time wisdom teeth grow, most adults have already developed their complete set of teeth, and there is not much room in the dental arch to allow four more teeth to grow in a healthy, aligned position. 

Wisdom teeth begin to erupt and are blocked by the back molars, the jaw, or both. When they encounter these blockages or barriers, the wisdom teeth become trapped in an awkward position, sometimes referred to as "impacted teeth," causing the following problems: 

- Damage to surrounding teeth. 

- Jaw problems. 

- Sinus problems. 

- Inflamed gums. 

- Infections. 

- Tooth decay. 

- Misalignment of the teeth. 

What Does The Extraction of Wisdom Teeth Consist of? 

First, after you have made the previous appointment and your dentist confirms that wisdom teeth extraction is necessary, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. 

If you are particularly anxious about the procedure, your dentist may administer a sedative to help you relax. General anesthesia is rarely used, only in cases where the procedure is performed in a hospital. 

During the procedure, if the tooth is still under the gum, a small incision will be made, and a small piece of bone may also be removed from the tooth. Your dentist may cut the tooth into smaller parts to make it easier to remove through the opening. 

If the tooth has come through the gum, there will be less need to make an incision. Simple procedures can take up to 20 minutes, while more complex procedures require more time. Once the wisdom tooth is removed, you should not feel any pain as the anesthesia will have numbed the area. If you do feel pain, tell your dentist immediately.

The Best Care for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Paradise Valley, AZ

While it is common to experience swelling and discomfort after wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will provide detailed instructions for post-extraction care. 

Starting with cold compresses and the proper medication, Dr. Brannon and his team of professionals can follow up on your recovery. That's why at Paradise Valley Smile, we spend time with each patient, explaining your procedure and helping you know what to expect. 

With our advanced technologies and providing the utmost comfort using the latest in sedation dentistry, you and your family can enjoy a comfortable, anxiety-free wisdom tooth removal. So don't hesitate to call us at (602) 354-7607 or visit us here to schedule your appointment.