As our final set of molars, wisdom teeth often command attention, not only due to the discomfort they may cause but also because of the wisdom teeth removal cost that comes to mind for many. These late bloomers can usher in a host of dental troubles - from unseen bacteria lurking in the hard-to-clean recesses near the throat to the overt pressure they exert, potentially leading to a domino effect of alignment issues right up to the front teeth. Amidst swirling opinions and biases on whether to extract or not, the risks they pose to the neighboring teeth, tongue, and overall oral health cannot be overlooked. Keep reading as I take you through the intricate impacts of wisdom teeth and delineate the circumstances that often necessitate their removal.
Wisdom Teeth Can Lead to Misalignment and Crowding of Front Teeth
Impacted Molars May Prompt a Chain of Oral Health Issues, Including Gum Disease and Cysts
Early Intervention Is Crucial When Wisdom Teeth Impact Dental Hygiene or Cause Pain
Wisdom Teeth Removal Requires Careful Consideration to Avoid Nerve Damage
Maintaining Proper Dental Care and Monitoring Is Vital When Dealing With Wisdom Teeth Complications
The controversy surrounding wisdom teeth and their role in the alignment of frontal dentition often leads us to question the necessity of impacted tooth removal. Delving into the intricacies of this subject, I've come across compelling evidence from longitudinal studies highlighting a distinct relationship between these late-comers and crowding issues. Particularly for those of us who've invested time and considerable resources in orthodontic work to achieve that perfect smile, the emergence of wisdom teeth can feel like an unexpected twist. Concerns extend beyond aesthetics, as the pressure from an emerging wisdom tooth can provoke a cascade of shifts rippling through the dental arch, possibly nudging front teeth from their carefully orchestrated positions. This phenomenon has steered some dental professionals toward suggesting preventive measures like coronectomy, which skirts risks to the nerve—a procedure not taken lightly, yet sometimes necessary to preserve the integrity of your teeth without impinging that vital nerve lying just beneath the gum's surface, shy of the lip yet critical in sensation.
The debate about wisdom teeth's impact on our dental arch has seen many opinions, but consensus points to one thing: they can indeed lead to crowding. From what I've gathered, as the last to arrive, they push against the hard tissue of neighboring molars, potentially crowding the front teeth and leading to a misaligned bite - a complication that can directly affect an individual's quality of life. This influence is not merely due to the existence of wisdom teeth, but also because our jaws are often too small to accommodate these late arrivals comfortably.
In my research on the relationship between wisdom teeth and the arch of other teeth, a striking detail emerged: the proximity of these molars to the inferior alveolar nerve can sometimes complicate extraction, heightening the risks of nerve damage. Wisdom teeth removal, while commonly performed, requires careful consideration to avoid unnecessary complications and safeguard oral health:
After dedicating numerous months, sometimes even years, to orthodontic treatments, the thought of wisdom teeth jeopardizing the alignment of my painstakingly straightened teeth is frankly unsettling. The arrival of these molars can push against the perfectly aligned set, potentially causing a relapse that makes retainers seem futile - a scenario where the alignment we strove to preserve shifts, urging yet another round of corrective measures. This concern amplifies when considering complications such as bad breath and bleeding, often indicative of an infection that an antibiotic alone may not resolve.
My experience with patients has taught me that the confidentiality of protected health information is paramount; despite this, the universal struggle with wisdom teeth remains a topic that many wish to understand better. The presence of impacted wisdom teeth can introduce unexpected challenges to dental hygiene, eliciting concerns beyond aesthetic shifts to issues related to maintaining fresh breath and optimal oral health, which for many are as much of a priority as the structural integrity of their orthodontic work.
Now let's pivot to the risks lurking behind those unassuming molars. Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth could invite a host of dental calamities, threatening your oral health.
In considering the potential consequences of foregoing the removal of impacted or retained wisdom teeth, my careful scrutiny of systematic reviews revealed a myriad of complications that merit attention. The very act of tooth eruption, especially when pertaining to wisdom teeth—those somewhat redundant remnants of our ancestors' diet—can usher in not just a rite of passage into adulthood, but also a host transition to unforeseen oral health issues. Mayo Clinic publications illuminate risks such as decay of teeth adjacent to the impacted wisdom tooth due to inaccessible crevices that harbor bacteria. Furthermore, the onset of gum disease in the proximity of these molars is a prevalent concern. This harbinger of discomfort can lay the groundwork for more severe conditions, like cysts that menace the integrity of the jawbone. Perilous too is the potential for shifting teeth that can skew an otherwise harmonious alignment, on rare occasions even involving the lingual nerve, leading to numbness. Each of these scenarios underscores the importance of evaluating the fate of wisdom teeth within the context of comprehensive dental well-being.
My conversations with patients reveal a common theme: tooth impaction, particularly wisdom teeth, can be the villain behind the decay of their neighboring teeth. This happens because the squeezed space between the impacted tooth and existing dentures or natural teeth creates a breeding ground for bacteria, a situation exacerbated by the challenge of proper cleaning in such a compromised environment.
During the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, the choice of anesthesia plays a significant role in ensuring patient comfort. While some may opt for nitrous oxide for its calming effect, others with more complex cases might require general anaesthetic to facilitate a smooth procedure. Regardless of the method, successful extraction minimizes the risk of decay spreading from an impacted wisdom tooth to adjacent ones, ensuring the longevity of the patient's dental health and functionality of dentures, if present.
Amid my investigations into the myriad of dental woes associated with wisdom teeth, gum disease has emerged as a relentless adversary. When these molars become impacted, they create a niche for bacterial invasion, which can lead to persistent toothaches and an increased likelihood of injury to surrounding gum tissue, potentially necessitating the expertise of a surgeon to rectify the affliction.
My deep dive into scholarly articles, including those from the National Institutes of Health, has fortified my understanding that the risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth extend well into the realm of periodontal health. Neglecting the signs of trouble may not only result in the need for meticulous surgery but can also pave the way for chronic infection, undermining the foundation of nearby teeth and exacerbating discomfort in patients.
As I sift through the data, I can't help but note that impacted wisdom teeth often lead to the development of cysts, which can pose a serious threat to the jawbone or mandible. These cysts, benign yet potentially destructive, form around the unerupted tooth, perpetuating a silent havoc that manifests in debilitating pain.
The conversation with patients experiencing this silent assailant often turns to their reliance on aspirin to dull the pain, but this quick fix pales in comparison to addressing the root of the issue. Comprehensive evidence suggests that the exclusion of these impacted wisdom teeth, and hence the cysts, could prevent a slew of complications, including severe damage to the mandible.
Recognition of pain related to cyst formation around impacted wisdom teeth
Use of aspirin as temporary relief for discomfort
The critical role of surgical intervention in preventing damage to the jawbone
As I delve into the pathology surrounding impacted wisdom teeth, I can't help but be struck by the domino effect they have on the adjacent teeth. The force exerted by an emerging wisdom tooth can misalign teeth, disrupt previous orthodontic work, and even lead to tooth loss, transforming a once harmonious smile into a complex orthodontic puzzle.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of this dental shift early is essential in my role as a health care provider, as they indicate an underlying issue that needs urgent attention. It is not merely about cosmoses; misaligned teeth can alter bite dynamics and increase the risk of acid erosion and dental caries due to trapped food particles in new, hard-to-clean spaces.
Lingering with impacted wisdom teeth isn't just a waiting game for discomfort; risks are lurking beneath the surface. Surreptitiously, these hidden molars may be the culprits behind a cramped dental landscape.
As I engage with the complexities of oral health, I often encounter a pressing concern—how wisdom teeth impact the delicate ecosystem within our mouths. Unraveling the mystery behind dental crowding, I delve into the pressure exerted by emerging wisdom teeth on their neighboring counterparts. These late bloomers, particularly when they arrive as a horizontal impacted wisdom tooth, can wield a force strong enough to shift the alignment of other teeth, sparking a bevy of orthodontic headaches. Real-life statistics paint a picture of the potential disruption, with plenty of cases substantiating the need for timely horizontal impacted wisdom tooth removal. As I further dissect the issue, it becomes ever so vital to not just understand, but to identify the telltale signs of crowding attributed to wisdom teeth. Such insight equips us with the foresight to preempt the discomforts that might otherwise culminate in conditions like burning mouth syndrome—an ailment that no patient would wish upon themselves. Spotting these signs early often leads to a common resolution—I find myself advising patients to request an appointment with their dentist to evaluate and address any emerging wisdom teeth concerns promptly and proficiently.
Engaging directly with the forces at play in our mouths, I've observed the intensity with which emerging wisdom teeth can apply pressure. This force, exerted on adjacent roots, can subtly alter the position of teeth within the jaw, a matter of great interest within periodontology.. It is during this late stage of dental development that the roots of neighboring teeth may be vulnerable, potentially leading to unanticipated structural changes in one's mouth.
The presence of a neoplasm near a wisdom tooth adds a high-stakes variable to the delicate balance of oral health. Complications arising from such growths can amplify the pressure on surrounding teeth, disrupting the harmonious state of the mouth and presenting unique challenges for dental professionals.:
Assessing the pressure impact of wisdom teeth on surrounding roots
Evaluating neoplasm presence and its effects on dental structure
Addressing the potential shifts in teeth alignment due to emerging wisdom teeth
When patients present with an impacted wisdom tooth, symptoms may not always be clear cut; however, a few standout indicators often hint at underlying dental crowding. The prognosis for those with notable inflammation around their wisdom teeth may indeed be a signal of spatial pressure leading to disruptive shifts in tooth alignment.
A discerning eye can spot signs of crowding caused by wisdom teeth, such as slight paresthesia in the area or persistent difficulty maintaining proper hygiene due to hard-to-reach spaces. These symptoms can be subtle first messengers, implying that meticulous attention is necessary to thwart more pronounced complications.
Recognition of inflammation as an indicator of potential crowding
Attentiveness to paresthesia near wisdom teeth
Challenges in maintaining dental hygiene, pointing to impacted wisdom teeth
As we consider the cramped landscape of the mouth, a new player often emerges to disrupt the delicate balance. Enter wisdom teeth, notorious for their tendency to push everything out of line.
As we navigate the intricate relationship between wisdom teeth and the alignment of our smile, my focus often sharpens on the issues emerging from impacted wisdom teeth. These hidden culprits lodged in the back of our mouths have a knack for subtly nudging permanent teeth out of place, laying the groundwork for a crooked grin. It's through thorough evaluation that we can determine the extent of their influence and the subsequent need for orthodontic intervention. Amidst this scrutiny, I remain keenly aware of the complex array of dental dilemmas that might ensue, including the risk of mandibular fracture during extraction, the potential for wound from the erupting teeth, and the dreaded accelerant of tooth decay nestled adjacent to unerupted molars. Such considerations drive my careful approach to ensuring that each dental journey steers clear of these pitfalls, preserving both the health and aesthetics of that all-important smile.
The tension in the room is palpable whenever I discuss the potential impacts of wisdom teeth with patients. As per the guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the disruption caused by impacted wisdom teeth to the dental arch is not to be underestimated: these molars, struggling to fit in an already crowded space, can lead to overcrowding, pushing against straightened teeth and initiating a domino effect of misalignment.
These impacted teeth often lurk beneath the gums, undetectable to the naked eye, yet their presence can compromise oral hygiene, creating hard-to-clean areas that are prime for neglect. Left unchecked, these areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria, escalating into painful complications such as an abscess which can exacerbate the situation.
Impact of wisdom teeth on the dental arch leading to overcrowding
Compromised oral hygiene around impacted wisdom teeth
The consequence of neglect: development of abscess and further dental complications
Upon witnessing signs that wisdom teeth might be causing a misalignment, I often discuss with my patients the possibility that their temporomandibular joint could be under undue stress. Often, we discover that the direct force exerted by wisdom teeth on the jaw prompts a reassessment of whether orthodontic intervention might alleviate discomfort or prevent further structural complications.
In cases where I've observed the potential for tooth resorption due to the pressure of emerging wisdom teeth, the conversation naturally turns to the strategic use of orthodontics to mitigate these risks. At this juncture, I sometimes find it necessary to refer patients for specialized care, where they might be prescribed appropriate medication to manage any pain associated with misalignment and discussed plans to realign their teeth can commence.
The drama of dental realignment doesn't stop at crooked smiles; impacted wisdom teeth lurk in the wings with their own set of complications. Hold tight as we unveil the pivotal twists that often lead to the decision of extracting these hidden culprits.
Broaching the topic of extracting wisdom teeth, we confront the pivotal moment when the well-being of surrounding teeth hangs in the balance. Ensuring the protection of adjacent tissue and the longevity of orthodontics already in place often predicates the removal of these problematic molars. As I prepare patients for the journey ahead, setting expectations is fundamental. The anticipation of the procedure begins with the gentle pinch of an injection, aiming to dull the senses and ensure a pain-free experience. Armed with Cochrane-reviewed research and a compassionate understanding of the trepidation one might feel with the word "extraction," I guide my patients through the necessary steps, focusing on safeguarding the health of their cheek-lined smile—where every tooth counts.
The wisdom teeth, especially if they are growing at an unfavorable angle, can exert undue pressure on an incisor, undermining its position or health. Prompt extraction becomes the prudent course of action in such cases, advocated for by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, to circumvent untoward shifts in the dental structure and avoid intricate therapy procedures down the line.
Deciding to remove wisdom teeth isn't a decision I take lightly; the potential for nerve injury lurks, should the teeth lie in proximity to vital nerve paths. My experience aligns with the recommendations from dental authorities that when the risks of keeping these teeth outweigh the benefits, extraction is a protective measure essential for the preservation and continued health of the entire dental arch.
Anticipation may build as I walk you through the wisdom teeth removal procedure; it begins unassumingly with thorough teeth cleaning to ensure any lingering plaque or bacteria are banished from the surgical site. Next, we will administer a potent local anesthetic, blocking pain signals so an adult patient remains comfortable and anxiety-free throughout the procedure.
If your case requires more complex care, like an infected wisdom tooth removal, sedation might be used in conjunction with local anesthetic to deepen your comfort. This carefully monitored approach allows you to rest in a state of relaxation, untouched by the intricacies of the extraction process:
Teeth cleaning to prepare for a sterile operating field
Local anesthetic to numb the area and mitigate discomfort
Optional sedation to soothe the nerves and promote a tranquil experience
Stepping away from the nuances of extraction, a pressing question emerges: what happens when wisdom teeth go awry? Unraveling this mystery reveals a cascade of potential dental dilemmas.
As I guide my patients along their dental health journey, wisdom teeth inevitably become a topic of discussion, especially when we encounter common issues that can have profound impacts on overall dental wellbeing. Assessing the scenario with a keen professional eye, I'm acutely aware of the complications that arise, and more severe conditions like alveolar osteitis, or dry socket, which can occur following an extraction. The question of 'impacted wisdom tooth removal cost' also arises frequently, a concern for many patients who weigh the financial burden against the necessity and benefits of the procedure. Targeting these ailments with strategic care that may involve pain management, the application of an ice pack to reduce swelling, or more comprehensive steps, is part of my commitment to restoring and maintaining optimal oral health for each patient entrusted to my care.
As I explore the intricacies of dental health, I often come across patients grappling with the risk associated with wisdom teeth. Common issues such as bruxism and the distinct discomfort of impacted wisdom tooth pain can often be predictors of larger underlying problems that, if ignored, may require attention from the realm of cosmetic dentistry to rectify.
The mere presence of wisdom teeth can induce a headache for both the patient and the dental practitioner, symbolizing a narrative of oral health challenges to unfold:
Chronic headache and jaw discomfort hinting at the pressure exerted by wisdom teeth.
Bruxism exacerbated by the misalignment caused by emerging molars.
Impacted wisdom tooth pain signaling the need for potential extraction.
Patient consultations often reveal the distress and inconvenience caused by these late bloomers of the dental world. Addressing these issues can avoid further complications that detract from the overall harmony and function of one's dentition.
In my years of delving into dental health, I've witnessed wisdom teeth wreak havoc in the subtleties of a mouth's ecosystem. The wisdom behind their name is overshadowed by the length they'll go to compromise neighboring teeth, pushing them into a chaos that compromises both alignment and health.
The intricacy of issues linked to wisdom teeth is often explored through my analysis of patient data stored in our clinic's database. Symptoms like edema in the tissues surrounding an impacted wisdom teeth suggest underlying issues that threaten the stability of the surrounding dentition:
Oftentimes, this latent drama plays out silent to the patient's discomfort until the conditions intensify – a story all too familiar in my practice and a powerful motivator for remaining vigilant against the deceptive stillness of an impacted wisdom tooth. Engaging with every facet of dental health, including the evolution of wisdom teeth, is a testament to the complexity and beauty of the English language as it allows me to communicate these critical medical narratives effectively..
At this juncture, I turn your attention to the red flags that often accompany these troublesome molars. If you notice any of these signs, it could mean your wisdom teeth are more foe than friend.
Encountering patients who report difficulty while chewing or a sensation akin to chewing on a straw is a telling sign that wise attention must be paid to their oral health. In the confines of our clinic, it's not uncommon for such discomfort to herald the onset of a wisdom teeth infection. These initial symptoms call for an astute eye to spot and intervene promptly. Patients may also mention an odd taste in their mouth or find themselves reaching for gauze to manage unexpected drainage. Recognizing these signs early is pivotal, as the consequences of neglecting an infection around these molars can escalate quickly. The untreated condition can run rampant, not merely causing discomfort but potentially compromising one's overall oral health. It's incumbent upon us to address these issues directly and avert the more profound systemic impacts that can emerge if wisdom teeth infections are left unchecked.
Noticing a persistent throbbing around the crown of an emerging wisdom tooth often raises a red flag for me, suggesting the onset of infection. Such discomfort, when coupled with tenderness and swelling in the area, distinctly points toward infected wisdom tooth symptoms, warranting closer examination and swift action.
A patient mentioning unusual ear pressure and aching that seemingly radiates from their jaw frequently catches my attention as a clue hinting at more than just surface issues. They may not make the immediate connection, but these symptoms can often be tracing back to an infection stemming from a wisdom tooth struggling to find its place.
Witnessing the aftermath of untreated wisdom teeth infections has taught me the perils this negligence can bring – impacts felt regardless of gender. Lingering infections can pave the way to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a painful condition where the complexity of symptoms often extends beyond the jaw to the neck, challenging both diagnosis and treatment.
I have observed patients who, initially asymptomatic, later experienced severe discomfort as unchecked infections exacerbated by accumulated debris led to systemic issues. This silent escalation reminds me of the criticality of proactive dental intervention to prevent seemingly benign conditions from affecting broader health aspects.
Understanding the effects of wisdom teeth on surrounding teeth is imperative as they can instigate crowding, prompting misalignment and compromising previous orthodontic work. Impacted wisdom teeth elevate the risk of decay and gum disease for adjacent teeth, necessitating vigilant oral hygiene and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Neglecting the removal of problematic wisdom teeth can lead to severe complications, including cyst formation that jeopardizes jawbone integrity. Early detection and management of wisdom teeth-related issues are therefore essential to maintain both dental health and overall oral functionality.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050