Wisdom Teeth Extractions Back
Third molars (also known as wisdom teeth) don’t actually become a part of your adult smile until somewhere between the ages of 16-22 – but by this point, there is very little room left in the mouth to accommodate them. As a result, many wisdom teeth can become trapped (impacted) partially or altogether, which leads to higher risks of infection and oral pain. If our doctors determine that this is occurring or likely to occur in the near-future, they may recommend extraction as a valuable service to help protect the rest of your smile. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted and not overcrowded, it may be fine for them to remain.
Problems with impacted wisdom teeth
You'll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as:
- Pain
- Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
- Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone
- Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
- Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, come in for a consultation and our team at Maple Valley Dental Clinic will be assess your dental health and help you with the best course of action.
