WatchWisdom Teeth
Do your wisdom teeth really need to come out?
Your wisdom teeth, the third molars, usually try to come in between ages 17 and 25. The trouble is that most people simply don't have enough room at the back of the jaw for them to erupt properly, so they become impacted: stuck under the gum or angled into the neighboring teeth. Once that happens, leaving them in place often causes more problems than taking them out.
This video explains the most common issues. Pressing against the molar in front of it, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause damage, cavities, or even bone resorption that puts both teeth at risk. A partially erupted one creates a perfect trap for food and bacteria, leading to swelling, infection, and painful flare-ups in the gum tissue. In rarer cases, a fluid-filled cyst can form around an impacted tooth and damage the surrounding bone.
Here's the reassuring part: with modern techniques, wisdom tooth removal is usually straightforward and surprisingly comfortable. Depending on your case, the procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, with inhaled sedation (nitrous oxide) available to help anxious patients relax, and we'll help you decide if it's a good fit through our inhaled sedation service.
If you're feeling pressure, swelling, or pain in the back of your mouth, please don't wait. Schedule an evaluation at Way Dental, where we'll take an X-ray, evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth, and recommend the right next step.
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