Have you ever heard of wisdom teeth? If you’re approaching adulthood, or if you’re a parent with a teen, then understanding the danger wisdom teeth pose is vital. Unless removed prior to eruption, wisdom teeth could mean very uncomfortable complications and even the onset of misalignment. In order to protect smiles in Mansfield, TX, we may recommend removing these teeth with a dental extraction.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth, or third molars, arrive in our late teens and our early 20s. These four additional teeth may have trouble fitting in the smile, which means they could only partially erupt, an issue known as an impaction. In addition, their arrival could mean infection, damaged teeth, and even dental misalignment. By removing them completely before they erupt, we protect the alignment and health of the smile. The procedure involves administering a local anesthetic and dental sedation, so you feel calm and comfortable. We then open the area above the teeth and remove them gently, before suturing the area closed. A friend or family member will bring you home. As the area heals, we urge you not to prod the extraction site with your tongue, to limit strenuous activities for the first few days, and to consume soft foods. We will schedule a follow-up visit to remove the sutures and monitor the healing process!
What About Infected or Damaged Teeth?
There are other scenarios in which removing a tooth is beneficial for your smile’s overall oral health. For example, if a severe infection or cavity threatens to spread to other teeth, removal may be the best option. If you face a dental emergency situation, such as a severely broken tooth, then we may need to extract it. Removing a tooth to make room to reposition the others and correct misalignment may also be necessary.
Will My Extracted Teeth Need Replacement?
With your third molars, no replacement is needed. But if you lose a tooth due to infection or damage, then yes, a gap will open in your smile. Over time, this gap could increase the risk of misalignment, TMJ disorder and even bruxism. In order to replace the missing tooth, we may suggest a custom-made dental bridge, a single tooth dental implant, or possibly even a partial denture. If you have any questions about replacing missing teeth, or about the extraction process, then contact our team today. We want to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and a full, beautiful smile!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL SURGERY?
Our team can help you obtain a healthier smile with our restorative treatment options, from removing teeth to repairing them with crowns, fillings, or root canal therapy. To find out more about the dental extraction process, then schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.
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