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Call us: 570-622-9746
Address: 2257 W End Ave
Pottsville, PA 17901

Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Wisdom teeth surgery isn’t something that everyone needs. Why not? First, it’s important to understand exactly what wisdom teeth are. Most people have space for 28 teeth – 14 on top and 14 on the bottom. Every tooth serves an important function. For example, the teeth in the front of your mouth, such as canine and incisor teeth, are used for biting food. The back teeth, also known as molars, grind up food and make it small enough to swallow.

The problem is most people have 32 teeth in their mouth. These four extra teeth are known as wisdom teeth, or third molars. Sometimes these teeth remain in the mouth and cause no issues. However, when problems do arise, then you need wisdom teeth surgery to remove them.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction 101

As babies and toddlers, we begin our get our first teeth. As we age, these teeth are replaced by our permanent teeth. The last of these teeth to come in are our wisdom teeth. They usually arrive when we’re teenagers or young adults. If they are aligned properly when they erupt from the gum tissue, there’s no need for wisdom teeth extraction.

However, more often than not, wisdom teeth extraction is needed. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they’re unable to successfully erupt from the gum tissue. Sometimes wisdom teeth may partially erupted – meaning that only part of the tooth is exposed. This is an issue because it allows bacteria to grow, which can cause an infection that leads to swelling, jaw stiffness, pain and even serious illness.

At other times, wisdom teeth may be growing sideways, which disrupts the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. If any of these problems are left unchecked, it can result in more serious issues like tumors, destruction of the jawbone, and harm to healthy teeth. This is why early evaluation and treatment are recommended. You can decrease the hazard of serious problems or surgical risk involved with the procedure by taking action when a problem is first detected.

What To Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal

First, you have an oral examination, and x-rays are taken of your mouth. This information will show if wisdom teeth are the problem, or if they might be in the future. If wisdom teeth surgery seems like the best choice, it is performed on an outpatient basis using appropriate anesthesia.

Although it won’t require an overnight stay, it is considered surgery, so it’s strongly advised that you arrange for someone to bring you to and take you from the appointment.

If you suspect you might need wisdom teeth surgery, or if your family dentist has suggested further examinations, please contact our office today. For years we’ve handled wisdom teeth removal for many residents of Pottsville and the local area, so give us a call today to schedule your consultation.