Do I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Unlike other teeth, the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, develop later, often when a patient is in late adolescence or early adulthood. For some, these molars may be easily accommodated into the arch. For others, wisdom teeth can have a domino-like effect on the health and functionality of a smile, compromising an individual’s overall health. When facing wisdom tooth development, many patients may find themselves wondering whether they need extraction.

Understanding the Implications of Wisdom Teeth

Part of the complicated implications of wisdom teeth stem from when and how these third molars develop. By the time wisdom teeth develop, patients have often already undergone treatments to utilize the entire space of the arch. When there is no space for the new tooth to emerge, it becomes impacted, or unable to correctly breach through the gums. As a result, it develops incorrectly, essentially pushing against other teeth and threatening to negate any prior work that has been done.

In other cases, the wisdom teeth may become partially impacted, or may only partially emerge. This can also have negative oral health implications as the gum flap covering the tooth may trap food debris. As debris accumulates, so do bacteria, making it difficult for patients to thoroughly clean their teeth and increasing the likelihood of developing a cavity, tooth infection, or abscess.

Given the strong possibility of compromising the health and function of a patient’s smile, wisdom tooth extraction is highly recommended in cases of impaction and partial impaction.

Other Cases to Consider Extraction

Surprisingly, age also may be a factor in determining whether extraction is a good option. While a tooth may develop normally and fit comfortably in the arch, changes to the dentition that occur over time may cause the wisdom tooth to begin crowding other teeth. Older patients seeking wisdom tooth extraction may find themselves at risk of greater complications from the removal process.

Northern Virginia oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel offers comprehensive wisdom tooth removal at his Lorton and Springfield dental practices. Using advanced technology, Dr. Patel is able to create a strategic plan that makes the removal and recovery processes comfortable and efficient. For more information about general extraction and impacted wisdom tooth extraction, contact our nearest location today.