Wisdom Teeth Removal in Spring Lake, NC
Wisdom teeth are the third and very last set of molars that come in. For some people, they pose no issue, but for others, they can bring with them the risk of a variety of dental issues. If you fall into the second category, it could be in your best interest to go ahead and get them removed before the problems arise. At Spring Lake Oral Surgery, we can help you decide what’s right for you, and if that means wisdom teeth removal, we can perform the procedure from our practice.
When Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Necessary
First things first: Just because you’re getting your wisdom teeth in does not automatically mean that you’ll need to get them removed! For some people, they come in without any complications. Then there are others who don’t end up getting them at all. The question of whether or not to extract them comes in when there’s the possibility of damage or infection due to their growth and position.
We may recommend that you get your wisdom teeth removed if one of the following is true:
- They are causing inflammation, pain, or infection in your gums and/or jawbone.
- They will significantly increase your risk of developing cavities.
- There’s not enough room in your jaw, and they will cause crowding or put pressure on nearby teeth, causing permanent damage.
- They are impacted, meaning they are unable to erupt correctly.
- They have the potential to increase your risk of developing a cyst or tumor in your jawbone
Generally, the idea is that even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you trouble now, it might be best to remove them proactively so you don’t have to experience pain or dental problems in the future. It’s easier to address and issue ahead of time rather than trying to fix the damage afterwards!
What to Expect with Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Just like with other tooth extractions, we start the process with a dental exam and X-rays. We want to get an idea of exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned so that we can plan the extraction accordingly. We also apply the necessary sedation and anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Once all the planning has been done and your comfort is taken care of, we’ll extract the wisdom teeth. You shouldn’t feel any pain during this. When we send you home after your appointment, we’ll give you aftercare instructions to follow so that your recovery goes quickly and without a hitch.
Do wisdom teeth have deep roots?
Wisdom teeth are similar to the other molars in the mouth. Once these third molars have erupted, the roots are often still forming. As the wisdom teeth spend more time in the mouth, the roots may continue to extend deeper into the jawbone. At Spring Lake Oral Surgery, our dental professionals assess root depth through X-rays to plan safe and effective removal procedures, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding tissues and structures.
Should wisdom teeth be removed before Invisalign®?
Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to erupt. Since wisdom teeth take up a lot of room and often emerge at an angle, wisdom teeth can impact tooth alignment, potentially affecting the success of Invisalign. In most cases, we recommend patients address wisdom teeth removal before undergoing Invisalign treatment. Removing wisdom teeth before Invisalign helps create a stable foundation for alignment correction, enhancing the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Will wisdom teeth removal change my face?
Despite misconceptions, wisdom teeth removal typically doesn’t alter facial appearance. However, impacted and misaligned wisdom teeth can cause swelling, encouraging the face to appear swollen, but their removal can alleviate these issues. After the wisdom teeth removal, swelling may continue for a short time, contributing to the perception of a different facial appearance. At your consultation, our experienced team will provide insight based on your circumstances.