Extraction is the surgical removal of one or more teeth. While most dentists prefer not to extract teeth when there is a viable alternative, in some instances, extraction is unavoidable. At Park Dental, Dr. Hughes, and Dr. Mojdami use advanced technology to determine whether extraction is the best course of action in cases involving broken teeth, severe damage due to cavities, and incidents of severe gum disease. Tooth extraction may also be necessary in advance of orthodontic treatment if the patient’s teeth are crowded along the jawbone.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Park Dental

Located at the back of the arch, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the smile, typically erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. While almost everyone will develop wisdom teeth, few have space in their arch to accommodate four extra teeth. As a result, overcrowding and bite misalignment are common problems tied to this dental condition, causing discomfort and pain when chewing.

Crowding of the jawbone is a common issue with wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars.” When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt, they can become impacted. An impacted tooth is a serious dental condition that requires professional attention as soon as possible.

Wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended for younger patients to substantially reduce the risk of future problems.  Another reason why many dentists recommend extractions at an early age is because younger patients are less likely to develop serious complications with oral surgery than older patients.

The Risks of Impacted Wisdom Tooth

When left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause serious damage to your smile. These risks include:

• Infection
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Gum disease
• Damage to surrounding bone
• Overcrowding of the jaw
• Cysts

Even if you’re not currently feeling any pain, your wisdom teeth could present future problems. Your dentist is the only individual who can tell you if you’re at risk of developing serious complications with your wisdom teeth. If you are experiencing symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption, call one of our two clinics today and schedule an appointment. During your visit, we’ll conduct an in-depth evaluation of your smile and determine if these third molars can be extracted.