Wisdom Teeth Removal

Known as your third molars, wisdom teeth consist of four permanent teeth located in the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. For most people, wisdom teeth do not appear until they’re between the ages of 17 and 25. While it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to erupt normally or not even exist, many end up being impacted and require removal by our Jackson, MI, dentists.

Here’s what you need to know about oral surgery and the extraction of wisdom teeth.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Any time teeth begin to erupt in your mouth, some level of discomfort is expected. Wisdom teeth are no different and can cause soreness, inflammation, and unwanted aches. Do not hesitate to call our Jackson dental office if you’re feeling any tooth or gum related pain as you may need tooth extraction.

You may also need your wisdom teeth taken out if you notice:

• Gum tissue that is inflamed or bleeding
• Earaches or headaches
• Jaw pain
• Sinus issues
• Tooth decay, damage, or repeated infection in the area where the wisdom teeth appear
• Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Often Impacted?

Unless you’re someone who has their third molars erupt normally or doesn’t develop them at all, it’s very likely that you’ll have impacted wisdom teeth. This largely happens because the teeth do not have enough room to grow. No room often translates to wisdom teeth growing at undesirable angles in the jaw, i.e., horizontally.

Improper growth and development can then lead to problems like:

• Hidden wisdom teeth underneath the gum line
• Teeth trapped within the jaw which may result in infection and a cyst
• Crowding of nearby teeth
• Partially emerged wisdom teeth which might attract bacteria and cause gum disease or infection

Ease Your Pain with Extraction

Our dentists in Jackson, MI, generally prefer to remove wisdom teeth when patients are younger because the roots and bone have not fully formed yet. If you’re experiencing pain in the back of your mouth and can feel your jaw being affected, you may require extraction. Call The Dental Experience today at (517) 787-5367 to request an appointment.