Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt during the late teens or early twenties. While some patients are unaffected, wisdom teeth often cause pain and oral health issues as they begin to erupt. Dr. Gary Kinder in Knoxville, TN, can evaluate your bite to determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. If that is the case, he can coordinate your or your child's treatment with a trusted oral surgeon. Backed by over 35 years of experience, Dr. Kinder takes all the time necessary to inform patients of their unique condition and what to expect throughout treatment.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
In some instances, the jaw has sufficient room and the wisdom teeth erupt in alignment with the rest of your smile. However, wisdom teeth often grow in at an angle or become impacted. Impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth do not fully erupt because they are trapped under the bone or soft tissue. This can lead to a variety of issues including:
- Misalignment
- Bite problems
- Pain and swelling
- Infection
In order to prevent complications altogether, wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended in patients' teens. Additionally, these teeth are often difficult to clean as thoroughly as other molars, which can lead to decay. Sometimes, the procedure may also be recommended to prepare for orthodontic treatment.