Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but they can cause problems if they are not growing in properly. We provide advanced state-of-the-art oral surgery and wisdom teeth removal. If you’re struggling with your wisdom teeth, please call us for a free consultation.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Spokane Valley, WA
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and typically emerge between the ages of 15 and 25. While some people have enough room for them to grow normally, many experience problems such as crowding, infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth. Using a visual exam and digital X-rays, we can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is recommended. Because wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean and more prone to complications, proactive extraction can help protect your long-term oral health.
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How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
The best way to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed is through a dental examination and X-rays. Your dentist may recommend extraction if your wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, crowding other teeth, damaging nearby teeth, increasing your risk of infection or decay, or showing signs that they may create problems in the future. Even if your wisdom teeth are not currently causing symptoms, proactive removal may be advised to help prevent complications and protect your long-term oral health.
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What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to come in normally, it is considered an impacted wisdom tooth. There are several degrees of impacted wisdom teeth depending on where the teeth lie within the jaw. Soft tissue impaction occurs when the crown of the tooth has penetrated through the bone, but the gum is still covering part of the tooth. When the tooth has partially erupted, but a part of the tooth remains submerged in the jawbone, this is considered partially bony impaction. Complete bony impaction occurs when the tooth is entirely encased by jawbone.
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At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are most commonly removed between the ages of 17 and 25, when the roots are still developing, and the surrounding bone is less dense. Removing wisdom teeth during this age range can often make the procedure and recovery easier while reducing the risk of future complications. However, there is no specific age when wisdom teeth must be removed. The decision is based on factors such as their position, development, symptoms, and potential impact on your oral health. Your dentist can evaluate your wisdom teeth and recommend the best timing for treatment.
More questions about wisdom teeth removal?
If you have additional questions about wisdom teeth removal, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further. We also provide various other preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.
