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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted?
Posted on September 30th, 2021
Wisdom Tooth Removal at Your Emergency Dentist in Chicago
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of our bottom and top rows of teeth, and they are the last molars in the mouth. Typically, they start to emerge after age seventeen, but may not appear until as late as age twenty-five. While once important for survival, wisdom teeth have slowly become unnecessary as human beings have evolved. This is because our jaws have slowly decreased in size, limiting the amount of room for teeth. Also, the use of utensils and current day food preparation have eliminated the need for the extra strength once provided by wisdom teeth.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
The fact we do not depend on wisdom teeth like we once did is not the only reason why they are often extracted. While some people do not have wisdom teeth at all, those who do may not experience any problems once, and if, they emerge. However, when wisdom teeth do start to cause problems, having them removed becomes imperative to our oral health.
Occasionally, even if a patient is not experiencing pain or other symptoms, wisdom teeth can lead to problems later in life, or harbor disease without a patient knowing.
When wisdom teeth do begin to emerge, they can often shift, emerge at the wrong angle and become impacted, or partially erupt. Impacted teeth lead to infections, swelling, soreness, and tooth decay.
Extracting Wisdom Teeth
At the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in, if a patient experiences obvious problems such as pain, gum irritation, or swelling, it may be wise to reach out to a dentist who offers emergency dental care near Chicago. However, if wisdom teeth are evaluated before they become disruptive, the extraction process will go more smoothly.
The procedure is typically completed in one visit. Anesthesia is administered, an incision is made in the gum tissue, and the underlying portions of the teeth are exposed.
A tooth can be removed in sections or in one piece. The area is thoroughly cleaned following extraction, and occasionally stitched closed to promote healing. To stop the bleeding, gauze is placed over the surgical site, allowing a blood clot to form.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Windy City Family Dental
If you are concerned you may need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction, contact Windy City Family Dental today. We are your local Chicago family dentist, here to make sure your smile stays healthy and beautiful no matter what kind of problems may arise. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
