General Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
What is a wisdom tooth extraction and why do I need one?
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. These teeth usually erupt or come in during late adolescence or early adulthood.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove wisdom teeth that do not have room to grow into your mouth, also known as impacted wisdom teeth. In some cases, we may recommend wisdom tooth extraction, even if the teeth are not impacted, as a preventative measure against potential future problems.
What happens if I don’t have my wisdom teeth extracted?
Impacted wisdom teeth can often develop cysts or abscesses around them, causing damage to the tooth and the surrounding tissues, including bones.
Cysts that are left untreated can result in tumors, which complicate the wisdom tooth extraction. In some cases, wisdom teeth may only partially emerge from under the gums, leaving an opening that is easily susceptible to bacteria and infections and causing an abscess, swelling and pain.
What’s the extraction procedure like?
Most of our extractions and impacted wisdom teeth procedures are performed right here at the JVR Dental office. However, if yours is a more complicated case, we will refer you to an oral surgeon.
See our Post Op Instructions on how to care for the area after an extraction.