What is a wisdom tooth?
Your wisdom teeth are the final teeth to come in, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. They may also be referred to as the “third molars” They are located in the very back of your mouth, behind the molars you developed as a child. Wisdom teeth can be impacted (trapped beneath the gum line), partially erupted (partially visible above the gum line), or fully erupted (visible in their entirety).
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Most wisdom teeth are extracted because they are impacted or partially erupted. When wisdom teeth remain in this position, they can cause a number of problems, including:
- crowding and shifting of other teeth
- decay and gum disease, due to the difficult-to-reach location of the wisdom teeth
- cysts and tumors, which can form around impacted wisdom teeth
- pain, due to pressure on the jawbone and neighboring teeth
How is wisdom tooth removal performed?
The procedure for wisdom tooth removal will vary depending on your individual situation. However, in most cases, the dentist will make a small incision into the gums to surgically remove impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth that are above the gumline are removed in a much less invasive manner, which allows for faster healing.
Why should I follow my dentist’s post-operative instructions?
Our team at Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery wants to ensure that patients heal properly and reduce their risks of complications from the procedure. With this in mind, we encourage patients to read their post-operative instructions from their dentist and follow them closely. Any complications or problems that arise should be communicated with the dentist to determine if a follow-up appointment or additional treatment is needed.
Call today to schedule a visit
Call Dr. Leslie Sultan and his team at Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery today to learn more about wisdom tooth removal and other tooth extraction services available with our team in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
