Determining the Necessity of Wisdom Teeth RemovalThe third molars that emerge late in your teens or early twenties are most commonly known as wisdom teeth. While the name implies some sort of rite of passage, the emergence of these teeth is often quite a burden to bear. The wisdom teeth cause trouble for a majority of individuals—more than 85 percent of adults require wisdom teeth removal. Impacted wisdom teeth are common, meaning they never fully emerge, causing pain and sometimes infection. In other cases, the wisdom teeth emerge successfully, but they come in crooked or crowd the mouth, pushing the other teeth out of alignment. Many dental care experts recommend wisdom teeth removal as a preventive measure, protecting the mouth from the potential onslaught of oral health distress. Wisdom teeth pain is not something to ignore. This can be a sign of crowding or impacted wisdom teeth. In either case, your oral health may be at stake and you should seek the advice of your dental care professional. Partially impacted wisdom teeth break partway through the gum line, while fully impacted wisdom teeth are enclosed within the soft tissue of the jawbone. A partial eruption often leaves an opening for bacterial growth around the tooth, leading to infection, tooth decay, or gum disease. These conditions are also associated with pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness. Your dentist will likely recommend prompt wisdom teeth removal to inhibit further development of adverse conditions or disease. Fully impacted teeth can’t be seen with the naked eye, so ask your dentist if you are unsure about the condition of your wisdom teeth. Periodic X-rays during routine dental care visits will allow you and your dentist to monitor your teeth. If the position of your teeth is already cause for concern, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal or refer you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation. Oral surgeons and family dentistry practitioners will often recommend wisdom teeth removal to avoid future problems. Although your wisdom teeth may not be causing you trouble now, wisdom teeth removal becomes a risky procedure late in life. Younger people tend to have wisdom teeth roots that have not fully developed and the bone is less dense, making removal easier. Older people, however, often have a longer healing time and more intensive recovery. Your dental care provider can make you aware of what to expect during the wisdom teeth removal. Removal of wisdom teeth is often an outpatient procedure, performed at the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office. Wisdom teeth removal varies by case, depending on the position of the teeth at time of removal. A local anesthetic will be used to numb any pain that might occur during the surgery. If necessary, your dentist may sedate you as well. The teeth will then be carefully extracted, minimizing disturbance to the bone. To learn about our family dentistry practice in Crown Point, call Wadas Dental of Crown Point today at (219) 488-2610 or make an appointment. Wadas Dental of Crown Point offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Crown Point. Our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Wadas Dental of Crown Point, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Wadas Dental of Crown Point.