Why Might I Need Surgery for My Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, medically referred to as the third molars, are the very last teeth to develop within the smile. In most patients, they come through the gum line in their late teens and early 20s. Because of their late development, they are often problematic for patients, with some wisdom teeth becoming stuck, or impacted, under the gum line. At Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery, we often speak to patients about whether or not they will benefit from the extraction or removal of these wisdom teeth for better oral health and wellness.

Why Might I Need Surgery for My Wisdom Tooth?

Dr. Leslie Sultan is a comprehensive full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL, who works routinely with patients needing wisdom teeth removed. There are several reasons why extraction of the wisdom tooth, or teeth, might be necessary:

• Impacted wisdom teeth. When the tooth does not have enough room to erupt correctly or is growing in at an awkward angle, it can become impacted and cause a risk of infection, damage to nearby teeth, cyst formation, and other potential issues.
• Crowding. If a patient has limited space in their mouth due to crowding of the other teeth, wisdom tooth removal may be needed to make more room.
• Gum disease or decay. If there is significant gum disease or decay around the wisdom tooth that cannot be treated with fillings or root canal therapy, an extraction might be necessary.
• Orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontists and dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before beginning orthodontic treatment to reduce the chance of relapse or shifting of the other teeth.
• Preventative care. Since most people will eventually need to have their wisdom teeth removed, an extraction might be done earlier as a preventative measure in order to avoid any potential future problems.

Request an Appointment To Find Out if You Could Benefit From Wisdom Tooth Removal

If you believe that you may need surgery for your wisdom tooth, please contact Dr. Leslie Sultan at 954-771-8772 for a consultation and evaluation. He can help determine if surgery is necessary and discuss all available treatment options with you at his Fort Lauderdale, FL, area practice.