Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge, usually in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth cause discomfort, pain, or issues with surrounding teeth.
When this occurs, our dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal.
Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Here are several situations where removing third molars may be the safest and healthiest option:
- Pain or swelling — Pain or swelling in the jaw or back of your mouth near your wisdom teeth can indicate that they are causing problems.
- Tooth Crowding — Wisdom teeth can cause crowding or damage to other teeth, potentially leading to alignment issues or bite problems.
- Decay or gum disease — It’s difficult to clean wisdom teeth properly, making them more prone to decay or gum disease.
- Impaction — If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they may become impacted or stuck in the gums and at risk for infection.
Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If you wonder if you need your wisdom teeth removed, please call Fontenot Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment at our Scott or Carencro dental office. Dr. Fontenot will perform an exam and take x-rays to determine if removing them is in your best interest.
In some cases, he may suggest leaving them in place if they are not causing any problems. However, if extraction is necessary, we recommend scheduling the procedure as soon as possible to prevent further problems.