When Wisdom Teeth Should be Removed

The final molars to erupt in the mouth are the wisdom teeth. These often appear in your late teens or early 20s. Most people have from one to four wisdom teeth. Although some wisdom teeth erupt easily and cause no dental health problems, many people experience impacted wisdom teeth. Our dentist in North Hollywood recommends removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent damage to adjacent teeth.

Impacted teeth may not erupt fully, or they may erupt at awkward angles. Nearby molars can be damaged, and the gums or teeth can get infected. Removing impacted wisdom teeth before they cause problems is generally the best course of action. If the tooth has become symptomatic, it can become more difficult to remove and may be more likely to result in post-extraction complications.

In some cases, the wisdom teeth may erupt properly, but they may crowd the other teeth, which increases the risk of misalignments. Because misaligned or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay can increase. You may also be at an increased risk of TMJ disorders and bruxism.

If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, bad breath or other symptoms, they may need to be removed. Our dentist can provide you with various sedation options that are designed to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. After your extraction, you will need to follow our dentist’s instructions to reduce your risk of complications. Avoid using a straw, do not smoke and maintain a soft diet for a few days to protect the healing site.

Contact our North Hollywood dental extraction expert today to schedule a consultation.