Because wisdom teeth generally arise when a child’s jaw has finished growing, these teeth may result in uncomfortable, unpredictable, or dangerous situations for long-term oral health. With careful diagnosis, advanced imaging, and an emphasis on maintaining the health of your surrounding teeth, bone and comfort, our experienced team of wisdom teeth removal specialists will remove your wisdom teeth at Prostho Endo Dental Group. We will help you and your family in North Bethesda, MD, understand whether your wisdom teeth require removal, why timing is critical, and what to expect during and after treatment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: The Right Time For Removal
Although your wisdom teeth may require removal right away, they do not always require immediate removal; they should, however, be removed before they cause a problem. Your wisdom teeth may fully emerge, partially emerge, or become impacted (stuck under the gumline), and when there is not enough space in the jaw for them to grow fully, they may cause pressure on your adjacent molars, be difficult to clean, or grow at an abnormal angle, increasing your risk for infection and inflammation.
These circumstances may prompt your dentist to recommend removing your wisdom teeth due to discomfort, irritation of the gums, swelling, decay, the formation of a cyst, or damage to your adjacent molars. Or, your wisdom teeth may be advised for removal if your dentist has reason to believe they will erupt properly and cause you a problem, or if x-rays and scans have revealed they are unlikely to erupt properly.
Regardless of the circumstances, we will never rush into a decision at Prostho Endo Dental Group. We will determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed based on the position of the teeth in the mouth, how old the patient is, the health of the teeth and gums, the patient’s symptoms, and the risk of further complications.
Maintaining Oral Health By Preventing Future Crowding
While wisdom teeth may be associated with crowding, the concern is actually related to more than just the straightening of the teeth. When the back of your mouth does not have enough room to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they may result in pressure in the back of the mouth, be difficult to properly clean, or create pockets in the gums where the bacteria can accumulate. Even partially impacted wisdom teeth may be difficult to brush and floss properly and are prone to decay and periodontal pockets.
It is especially critical to evaluate your wisdom teeth if you have completed orthodontic treatment and are trying to maintain your healthy bite, or as a preventative measure. We may be able to identify issues caused by your wisdom teeth that would threaten your stability, oral hygiene, and comfort with your early evaluation. With the proper treatment, you can be spared from the problems that may result from keeping your impacted wisdom teeth and your investment in maintaining your smile.
Diagnosing & Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth Using CBCT Imaging
Your dentist may not be able to assess the position of your wisdom teeth simply by taking an impression of your mouth and using traditional x-ray photos if you have impacted wisdom teeth, which are positioned near the nerves of your mouth, your sinuses, or in areas of dense bone. Your dentist needs to be able to take a close look at the position of your wisdom teeth, as well as your bone and gum structure. Your dentist will use a technology called Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to take 3-dimensional images of your mouth.
Your dentist will evaluate the angle and direction of your impacted wisdom teeth, the shape of your roots, the position of your bone, and your nerve structures. For patients, we are able to formulate a treatment plan with as much information available as possible. CBCT imaging will also help to identify those situations when a particular tooth should either be removed or monitored, or when special precautions must be taken during the removal procedure.
The Protection Of Adjacent Teeth Adjacent Teeth
One of the reasons that your dentist will suggest having your wisdom teeth evaluated and likely removed is to protect your second molars, the healthy molars that sit in front of your wisdom teeth. Your impacted wisdom teeth may grow and lean into your second molar, causing pressure, possible root damage, bone loss, and decay in an area that may be difficult to access. Some patients will not have any symptoms or discomfort until substantial damage has already occurred.
At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we are very concerned with your oral health, and we take great care to look closely at the impact of wisdom teeth on nearby teeth and supporting structures to ensure that they do not result in damage to your adjacent molars and other healthy teeth. We take protecting your adjacent teeth very seriously, as it is a major part of wisdom teeth treatment planning. If it is recommended that you have a wisdom tooth extracted, it is usually because you may compromise a tooth that may be needed for chewing or stability if it is not removed.
Comfortable Surgical & Sedation Options For Tooth Extraction
For some patients, wisdom tooth removal can be intimidating, especially if they have oral phobias. Prostho Endo Dental Group strives to keep your visit comfortable, efficient, and calm. Before your procedure, we review the plan with you, describe each step, and answer any questions that you have, keeping you updated during the process.
Depending on the difficulty of the extraction, medical history, and comfort needs, different sedation options may be available. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area being worked on. Other comfort measures will be offered on a case-by-case basis. Our team wants to be surgical and comfortable during this time. Our patients are also given written information with instructions on what to expect beforehand. This includes information on medications to take or avoid, food and drink restrictions, and anything to bring with you for your appointment.
What To Expect After A Wisdom Tooth Removal
Each patient is different, and your recovery will also differ, depending on how many teeth are being removed, their location, and the difficulty of the procedure. It is normal to have some swelling, soreness, and trouble chewing during the few days after your procedure. Our team will provide instructions for at-home care, but patients should rest and use cold compresses on their cheeks when swelling begins.
After your treatment, you will be given specific care guidelines. You will be encouraged to consume a soft-food diet and avoid using straws or vigorous rinsing. The following are general guidelines that your surgeon may recommend:
- Eat soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, or using straws.
- Take all medications as directed and contact the office if swelling, bleeding, or soreness becomes worse than before.
The Prostho Endo Dental Group team is happy to answer questions that you may have during your recovery process.
Reducing The Risk Of Future Complications
Wisdom teeth can slowly begin to cause damage and problems, even when you may be unaware of them at the time. Problems with cysts, gum infections, decay, damage to the adjacent teeth, and impaction can develop from teeth left untreated. We are able to identify these risk factors early and help you avoid complications later on.
By monitoring the growth and development of the tooth along with bone quality, we are able to track changes from your previous dental exams and x-rays. For younger patients, it can be advantageous to be able to monitor if the roots are fully developed, which might make the removal easier. For patients over 18, we can evaluate if removing the wisdom tooth is still needed and necessary.
This is highly dependent on an individual case, which is why our doctors don’t recommend the same approach for every patient. The goal at Prostho Endo Dental Group is to find the solution that is best for you.
Advanced Planning For A Safer Extraction
Wisdom tooth removal should be treated with care to prevent problems during and after the procedure. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we offer a multidisciplinary approach and offer diagnostic, radiographic, surgical, and restorative services all under one roof to make sure you are being treated by the best team. This is ideal for patients whose wisdom teeth are impacted and potentially close to important anatomical structures.
In North Bethesda, MD, we prioritize safety, patient comfort, and the best long-term outcome. We are happy to take the time to talk to you and explain the reasoning for why the wisdom tooth needs to be removed and what recovery will look like once the procedure is completed. With advanced technology, treatment planning, and a team of specialists, you can feel confident and relaxed when you are visiting us to have your wisdom teeth removed.