WatchWisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth: why removal is often the better call
Your third molars, better known as wisdom teeth, typically try to erupt somewhere between ages 17 and 25, and for most people there just isn't room at the back of the jaw to fit them. The result is an impacted tooth: stuck beneath the gum or angled into the tooth next to it. Once that happens, leaving it in place tends to cause more trouble than taking it out.
This video walks through the issues that come up most often. Pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth against the molar in front of it can cause damage, cavities, or even bone resorption that threatens both teeth. Where a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, it opens a pocket that traps food and bacteria, setting the stage for swelling, infection, and painful gum flare-ups. Less commonly, a fluid-filled cyst can form around an impacted tooth and damage the surrounding bone.
Modern technique has made wisdom tooth removal surprisingly straightforward and comfortable in most cases. Local anesthesia, mild oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia are all options depending on your case, and we'll help you pick the comfort level that fits your visit.
Pressure, swelling, or pain in the back of your mouth is worth acting on rather than waiting out. Schedule an evaluation at Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry, and we'll take an X-ray, assess the position of your wisdom teeth, and recommend the right next step.
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