Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Ann Arbor, MI
 The appearance of the wisdom teeth is a normal part of mouth development. For some people, they come out without any issues, but for others, it can be a really problematic experience. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery performed to remove one or more wisdom teeth. It is mainly done to prevent your oral cavity from future problems. According to many studies, roughly five million Americans undergo wisdom tooth extraction every year. If you are experiencing pain and headache caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, our team at Greashaber Dentistry can help you.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The primary teeth, also known as the baby teeth, usually erupt at the age of six months. When children reach six years of age, these will get replaced by a set of permanent teeth. The first ones that will appear are the incisors, then the premolars. After that, the molars, which usually come out at the age of 13. The last ones to appear are the wisdom teeth. These are the third set of molars located in the back of your mouth. They usually erupt between 17-25 years of age. The reason they are called "wisdom teeth" is because they come out at a more mature age.
How Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Performed?
Before the oral surgery begins, the patient will be given a local anesthesia to numb the tooth and its surrounding area. A sedative anesthesia may also be given to provide comfort during the process. The procedure will begin after all of these are done. The extraction will not be painful because you will be under anesthesia. Typically, the surgery takes less than 45 minutes. After the surgery, our oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions for your proper recovery. It usually takes three to four weeks for the gums to be completely healed.
Are You a Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The wisdom teeth are usually not removed if they are healthy and are not impacted. When the wisdom teeth erupt incorrectly, it can cause issues that may also affect the neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, headache, and other dental problems. If the wisdom tooth starts emerging and there is no space for it, it can cause swelling in the gums, jaw pain, and difficulty opening your mouth. If you have impacted wisdom teeth that are causing you to experience these, one of our dentists can check if you are eligible for a wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth are also regarded as vestigial structures, or parts of our body that no longer have a use for us. They served a purpose for our ancestors long ago, but we no longer need them. If an impacted wisdom tooth is not removed immediately, it may lead to a more serious dental issue such as tooth decay and gingivitis.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually come in around the late teens and early twenties. Some people do not encounter any problems with them, but they can cause several oral issues when they erupt incorrectly. At Greashaber Dentistry, we care for your oral health, so if you are suffering from an impacted wisdom tooth, we would be more than happy to help you. To learn more about wisdom teeth extractions or to schedule an appointment over the phone, give us a call at (734) 662-1113 today. |
