When Four's a Crowd
If you’re between the ages of 16 and 25 years, a discussion about your wisdom teeth should take place. Wisdom teeth, a third set of molars, appear in the very back of each area of your mouth: upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. In a few patients, enough space exists for these molars to move into place. But most commonly, they just don’t belong, or they don’t line up correctly. Wisdom teeth can lie entirely on their sides or lean at various angles into neighboring teeth. For patients considering wisdom teeth extractions in Oklahoma City, early evaluation helps prevent pain, infection, crowding, and damage to surrounding teeth.
At Chisholm Creek Dental, Dr. Savannah Wright and Dr. Harper Horning evaluate wisdom teeth carefully and help patients make informed decisions about treatment. Our team focuses on patient comfort, long-term oral health, and personalized care. Learn more about our practice or visit our convenient Oklahoma City location.
What Are Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
Wisdom teeth extractions remove one or more third molars from the back of the mouth. Dentists often recommend this procedure when wisdom teeth lack adequate space, grow at improper angles, become impacted, create infection risks, or threaten neighboring teeth. Removing problematic wisdom teeth can protect oral health and help patients avoid more serious complications in the future.
When evaluating wisdom teeth, Dr. Savannah Wright and Dr. Harper Horning consider four general classifications. A panoramic X-ray provides a vital tool for determining the classification of each wisdom tooth. It’s even possible for one patient to display one of each type:
- Erupted:This simply means the tooth moved through the surface of the gums just like your other teeth. Eruption generally doesn’t occur before age 16, but can happen at nearly any age after that. It may have adequate space for its position.
- Soft Tissue Impaction/Partially Erupted:The top of the tooth has emerged from the bone, although excessive gum tissue usually covers it. Food trapped in the gum flap can lead to decay and infection.
- Partial Bony Impaction:The majority of the tooth sits below the jawbone level, although it’s beginning to emerge. A large flap of gum lies over this tooth and leaves it prone to infection and decay as mouth bacteria slip into the area.
- Complete Bony Impaction:In this case, the tooth has not broken the surface and remains entirely encased in the bone. While the risk of infection remains low, a small percentage of these teeth form a cyst in the jaw. This hollow space can expand and result in a fracture of the jaw.
When to Be Concerned About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that cause pain and infection give a clear warning sign that treatment deserves consideration. However, some problems develop gradually without obvious symptoms. If you are an adult with wisdom teeth, schedule periodic evaluations and panoramic X-rays to monitor changes over time.
Common signs that indicate a need for evaluation include:
- Jaw pain or pressure
- Swollen or tender gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Food frequently becoming trapped behind molars
- Crowding or shifting of teeth
- Recurring infections around the wisdom teeth
Patients seeking wisdom teeth extractions in Oklahoma City often discover that early treatment reduces discomfort and helps preserve surrounding teeth.
Key Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Removing problematic wisdom teeth offers several advantages:
- Reduces the risk of infection and gum disease
- Protects neighboring teeth from damage
- Helps prevent overcrowding and shifting teeth
- Decreases the likelihood of cyst formation
- Improves long-term oral health and comfort
Related Dental Services
Sedation Dentistry
Many patients feel nervous about oral surgery. Our sedation dentistry options help patients stay relaxed and comfortable throughout treatment. Sedation can make the procedure feel easier and less stressful.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and often require prompt attention. Our emergency dentistry services help patients address severe pain, infections, and urgent dental concerns quickly.
Family Dentistry
Regular dental visits play an important role in monitoring wisdom tooth development. Through our family dentistry services, we help patients of all ages maintain healthy smiles and identify concerns early.
Comfortable Treatment Options
If you’re considering wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Savannah Wright and Dr. Harper Horning can discuss treatment options with you. At Chisholm Creek Dental in Oklahoma City, OK, we offer various forms of sedation that put this minor surgical procedure within reach of every patient who needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Oklahoma City
How do I know if I need wisdom teeth removed?
Your dentist can evaluate your wisdom teeth using a clinical exam and panoramic X-ray. Pain, infection, crowding, and impacted teeth often indicate a need for treatment.
What age should wisdom teeth be evaluated?
Most dentists recommend evaluating wisdom teeth during the late teenage years or early twenties. Early monitoring allows providers to identify concerns before complications develop.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
Modern techniques and sedation options help patients remain comfortable throughout treatment. Most patients report manageable soreness during recovery.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients return to normal activities within a few days. Complete healing varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the number of teeth removed.
Can impacted wisdom teeth cause future problems?
Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, tooth damage, gum disease, cyst formation, and discomfort if left untreated.
Contact Us
Do you have a question? We have answers.
Whether you need an evaluation, a second opinion, or information about wisdom teeth extractions in Oklahoma City, our team is ready to help.
Schedule your visit today through our Contact Us page. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Also, ask us about our membership plan!