Wisdom Teeth Removal in Catonsville, MD

Between the ages of 17 and 21, many people develop a third and final set of molars known as wisdom teeth. Because there is not enough room in the mouth for extra molars, dental experts recommend having them removed. Our surgeons regularly perform wisdom tooth extractions in the comfort of our office in Catonsville, MD, and offers anesthesia and sedation for your comfort. Contact Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery to schedule a consultation for you or your child and receive a custom treatment plan based on your oral health needs. 

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

There are second molars in the back of your mouth responsible for chewing food. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are unnecessary for oral function and can cause many oral health issues because there is not enough room for them to erupt. Whether you develop one wisdom tooth or all four, having them extracted as soon as possible will prevent these problems from having the chance to arise.

As they try to squeeze into the dental arch, these large molars can push against other teeth, causing damage or misalignment. Wisdom teeth may come in at the wrong angle, and because you are unable to clean them, they can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Many people experience pain or swelling because of wisdom teeth, which are alleviated as soon as they are extracted.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is partially or fully trapped beneath the gums. Only a portion of a partially impacted tooth's crown is visible, which makes it difficult to clean. Partially impacted teeth easily trap bacteria and cause cysts or tumors to form around the infected tooth. Fully impacted wisdom teeth are not visible and are completely stuck below the gums. These teeth may grow completely sideways and, because they cannot erupt on their own, surgical removal is necessary. Leaving impacted teeth untreated poses a significant risk to your health because they can damage adjacent teeth and underlying facial structures.

Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth do not always cause discomfort, although many people who develop third molars notice pain or pressure at the back of the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth extracted:

• Tender, swollen gums
• Gums that easily bleed
• Swelling around the jaw
• Jaw aches or headaches
• Chronic bad breath, even after brushing
• A bad taste in the mouth
• You can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums

Attending regular dental checkups is important because your dentist can detect wisdom teeth when they develop and refer you for treatment right away. Remember that although wisdom teeth are not causing pain now, having them removed can prevent future problems from arising and promote better long-term oral health.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Your surgeon will create a custom treatment plan and walk you through each part of your procedure beforehand. Our office is equipped with advanced 3d imaging technology, which we use to detect the size and location of wisdom teeth to extract them. We offer many anesthesia options for you to choose from, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, laughing gas, and general anesthesia.

To extract the wisdom teeth, your surgeon will remove erupted teeth using forceps, similar to a simple tooth extraction. To remove impacted wisdom teeth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and may break the teeth into smaller pieces to make extraction easier. Sutures are placed as necessary and a responsible adult will drive you home following your procedure if you underwent IV sedation.

Your post-operative instructions will explain how to care for your surgical sites, when to rinse your mouth, and examples of soft foods to enjoy during your recovery. We may prescribe a pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medications. If you ever have questions about your care, please call our office.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Catonsville, MD

At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we make the oral and maxillofacial surgery process a comfortable and positive experience for our patients and their families. To find out if it's time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth removed, contact our office in Catonsville, MD, to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.