Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to grow in the rear of the mouth and can be a trouble for some. Other patients have wisdom teeth that come in without any issues. Wisdom teeth usually grow in between the ages of 17-25, as the third set of molars that have less room to move around than other molars. Dr. Richard Keech provides high-quality dental care including tooth extraction care to patients in Fayetteville, AR. Read on to learn about wisdom teeth and whether you might need your wisdom teeth removed in his office.
Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
A dentist may advise a patient to undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery for several reasons, including:
Impacted teeth: When wisdom teeth are blocked by existing teeth and are unable to erupt, they are referred to as impacted. While some people may experience pain or discomfort when this happens, many others aren’t even aware they have impacted wisdom teeth until a dentist finds it on an x-ray.
Possible future dental problems: If Dr. Keech determines that keeping your wisdom teeth will risk future problems he may suggest extraction. The extraction process is easier on younger patients, so even if you haven’t experienced any problems yet, your dentist may recommend their removal to prevent a more difficult future procedure.
Pericoronitis: When wisdom teeth emerge from the gums, a flap of gum tissue can be leftover, which may trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to an infection, called pericoronitis, which irritates the surrounding gums.
Schedule an Appointment in Our Fayetteville Office
Are your wisdom teeth causing pain in the back of your mouth? Schedule an appointment at Greenway Dental Care by calling (479) 217-3178. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Keech online. Dr. Keech and his professional dental team are passionate about helping patients solve dental problems with state-of-the-art solutions. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about treatment.