Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to grow in the rear of the mouth. Also known as the “third molars”, wisdom teeth can cause problems for some patients if they do not have enough room to emerge. Many patients notice wisdom teeth coming in when they reach their late teens or early 20’s. Although some patients may not feel pain when their wisdom teeth emerge, future oral health problems can occur after the wisdom teeth erupt. Dr. Albert Caves provides wisdom tooth extractions to patients in his Columbus, Georgia dental office. Learn about whether you might need your wisdom teeth removed below.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Dr. Caves may decide that wisdom teeth need to be extracted for several reasons, including pericoronitis, impacted wisdom teeth, and the risk of future dental problems. Learn about these wisdom tooth problems below:
- When the wisdom teeth begin emerging from the gums, the leftover flap of gum tissue may trap food particles and oral bacteria, which occur naturally in the mouth. An excess of bacteria leads to pericoronitis, an infection that causes gum irritation. Pericoronitis can occur even when the wisdom teeth have not emerged and make it more difficult to clean the back of the mouth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they are unable to erupt and are blocked by existing teeth. Some patients may feel discomfort or pain when they have impacted wisdom teeth. Other patients may not even realize that their wisdom teeth are impacted until we take panoramic x-rays.
- If Dr. Caves determines that you are at risk of future dental problems, he will suggest a tooth extraction. Even if you have not yet experienced any problems with your wisdom teeth, problems can develop as they erupt.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Are your wisdom teeth coming in? Call Dr. Caves in his Columbus, GA dental office at (706) 407-4851 for tooth extraction treatment. You may also request a consultation with Dr. Caves on our website. If you have any more questions about wisdom teeth, let Dr. Caves know at your next appointment. He will be happy to help you get the answers you need.