The Importance of Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth or third molars are located in the back of your mouth in the upper and lower corners. They usually appear in your late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth are not necessary for normal function or oral health, and 85 percent of them eventually require dental extraction due to their tendency to cause tooth crowding and other problems. When they are impacted inside your jaw and cannot erupt normally, the best solution for wisdom teeth is usually surgical extraction performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Gum inflammation marked by red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Jaw swelling
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Head or jaw pain
- Difficulty fully opening your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Surgical Extraction Options
When your wisdom teeth cause symptoms, your dentist or oral surgeon can usually remove them in an outpatient procedure. If infection is present, the surgery may be delayed while you complete a course of antibiotics. To extract a wisdom tooth, your dentist makes an incision in your gums and removes any bone that is blocking the impacted tooth. The tooth itself is then removed. Afterward, the incision is closed with stitches.
What to Expect After a Dental Extraction
After your surgery, you’ll be sent home with a set of after-care instructions to help manage pain and swelling. Serious complications are rare but may include the following. Contact your doctor or dentist immediately if unusual symptoms develop.
- Infection of teeth or gums caused by trapped food or bacteria
- Dry socket or exposed bone
- Damage to sinus cavity near upper wisdom tooth site
- Weakened jawbone
- Loss of sensation or nerve pain in lower lips, tongue, or chin
Risks of Not Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
In general, it’s easier to remove wisdom teeth before the age of 30 due to increased bone flexibility. Risks of not removing impacted teeth include cyst development, infection, mouth discomfort, tooth misalignment, and dental hygiene difficulties. The wisdom tooth extraction cost and anesthesia methods vary based on the complexity of the case; talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about your options.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Virginia, call Dental One Associates of Virginia today at or make an appointment.
Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Virginia. With 6 affiliated practices throughout Virginia, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Virginia, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Virginia.
