4 Reasons You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed and What to Expect

Teeth contain the hardest substance our bodies produce (enamel), connect the jaw, and come in different types to serve several functions. There are four types of teeth with different shapes. Each grows in particular places in the jaw. The classes include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. 

There are molars called the third molars or wisdom teeth. These grow in after the others in the back of the jaw. However, several problems can lead to removing wisdom teeth to keep your mouth healthy. Let’s explore wisdom teeth in more detail.

If you live in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and are struggling with wisdom teeth problems, Dr. Nils Anderson and our experienced medical team at Village Dental can help.

The function of your wisdom teeth

Your wisdom teeth don’t usually grow until your late teens to early 20s (between 17-25), and for some people, they may not emerge at all. Like other molars, these teeth help grind food, but thanks to modern utensils, we don’t need them as much as we once did, if at all. They are considered vestigial and likely part of the reason why everyone doesn’t have them.

Common reasons wisdom teeth are removed 

There are several reasons for wisdom teeth extraction, including:

1. Recurring infections

Since the wisdom teeth are in the back of your mouth, it is more difficult to reach them when brushing or flossing. Therefore, infections are common. 

2. Gum disease

Particles, bacteria, and other food particles can collect and cause periodontitis (gum disease) and tooth decay, likely leading to your wisdom teeth being removed.

3. Damage to other teeth

Damage to the wisdom teeth can also damage other teeth, so removal is often used to prevent a systemic problem.

4. Problems growing in

Because our jaws are smaller than our ancestors for evolutionary reasons, wisdom teeth may not emerge properly due to a lack of room. They sometimes grow underneath the gum line, at awkward angles, or crowd other teeth.

The extraction procedure

Removing wisdom teeth usually takes less than an hour, though more complex procedures can run longer. Here is the process:

• Once seated, we get you comfortable and apply an anesthetic to your gums (sedation is also an option).
• We loosen and lift the problem tooth, dividing it into sections if needed and using incisions for teeth under the gum line if necessary.
• We ensure the area is clean to clear infections.
• We close the treated area, using stitches if necessary.
• We place gauze in the wound to slow bleeding and give you gauze to continue using until the bleeding stops.

Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are expected, and we will offer detailed instructions on managing the extraction site once you’re home. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the sedation has worn off.

If you need your wisdom teeth treated or removed, we’re here to help. Make an appointment with Dr. Anderson at Village Dental today to get the help you need.