Since many people do not have the physical space in their mouths to accommodate a third molar (also known as a wisdom tooth) it is best in most cases to undergo what is known as a third molar extraction. Somewhere between the late teen years and the early twenties, many people experience the eruption of their third molar. If your mouth has the room to accommodate the tooth, you may experience some pain as it erupts, but it ends quickly. For many others, however, the eruption of the third molar can cause a great deal of pain, cause decay, become infected, or lead to the presence of cysts.
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a surgery usually performed by an oral surgeon even though a general dentist is qualified to do so too, and takes place when your tooth has grown in horizontally and is considered impacted. The surgeon will make an incision into the soft tissue, and depending on the condition of the third molar, elevate it or cut it in half. They will fully remove the tooth and stitch the soft-tissue gum back up to heal.
Third molar extraction, if possible, should be done early in the stages of the eruption to prevent future issues. When wisdom teeth are allowed to grow all the way, their roots grow long and dangerously close to the nerve of the jaw. Your dentist will take an X-ray of your molar area and consult with the oral surgeon regarding the proper method of care and treatment.
If you have any questions please feel free to call me at (562) 434-6414 to schedule an examination.
