The final set of molars to grow in the back of the mouth are called wisdom teeth. They are commonly removed at our Brookings, SD, office because the average mouth isn’t large enough to accommodate their growth into the proper position. Without enough space to grow, they typically become impacted, which means they are stuck beneath the surface of the gums. Impacted teeth can result in much more serious issues, including infection, dental crowding, cysts, and tumors.
Wisdom teeth removal is best performed during the early stages of the molars’ development. The less time that the molars have to grow, the less likely it is that they will cause serious health problems. It’s not always easy to detect their presence, which is why we encourage all of our patients to attend regular checkups with their dentist.
Why do I need extractions?
Many patients don’t realize that their molars can start causing problems even before they can be felt growing in. If you have been referred to our office in Brookings, SD, by your dentist, it’s likely because they have determined that the molars pose a threat to your oral health. If not, we encourage you to visit our office for a consultation so one of our oral surgeons can determine whether your molars require extraction. Some patients don’t need to have third molars removed, simply because their mouth is large enough that the molars will grow into their proper position. However, a trained dental professional is the best person to determine if you require a removal procedure.
In most cases, our oral surgeons recommend removal be performed at an early age when the teeth have just begun developing. As a preventive procedure, it is often much easier and quicker than performing extractions after more serious issues have developed. Once impaction, infection, or other problems arise, the procedure becomes more complicated and, in some cases, more expensive. Having your final set of molars removed early eliminates the possibility of these problems evolving.
What are the benefits of having my third molars extracted?
There are several benefits to undergoing a removal procedure. If your molars are causing pain, removing them will quickly eliminate it. If they have grown in and are starting to push against your healthy molars, removing them will avoid serious dental crowding. In addition, removing them early, before they have even present symptoms, provides the following benefits:
- You can prevent the molars from impaction, which often results in much more serious conditions, such as infection, cysts, root damage, and tumors.
- You can avoid costly and complicated procedures, which are often required further down the road if the teeth are left to develop improperly instead of being removed.
The Procedure Process
The treatment process for removing third molars in our Brookings, SD, office differs with every patient. Factors such as the number of third molars you have, the position and developmental stage of the molars, and the type of anesthesia you choose will all contribute to the individuality of your treatment plan. In most cases, the removal procedure can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
The first step in the process is your consultation appointment, during which your doctor will review your health history, examine your mouth, and take X-rays and 3D scans. These will help him develop a detailed and personalized plan for your removal. This appointment is also a perfect opportunity for you to have any of your questions answered. We can also discuss the chance to bank your cells through our practice.
You will return to our office for your surgical appointment. Your doctor will administer your chosen form of anesthesia and wait for it to take effect. Once he is sure you are either resting comfortably (IV anesthesia) or numbed and unable to feel any pain (local anesthesia), he will carefully expose the molars in the gums. When he has a clear view of the teeth and has removed any growths or bone that may be blocking the teeth, he will extract the molars. Sometimes, it’s necessary to break the teeth into smaller pieces to make removal easier. After removing the teeth, he will stitch up your gums and wait for your anesthesia to wear off before sending you home to recuperate for the next few days.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Brookings, SD
Wisdom teeth extractions are incredibly common procedures at our office in Brookings, SD. If you have been referred to our office to have your third molars extraction or you’d like to schedule a consultation to find out if your teeth require removal, please contact our office. Our staff is always happy to answer your questions and set up an appointment for you. We look forward to meeting you.
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