A dentist’s primary objectives are helping prevent dental issues from arising and doing everything in their power to preserve and restore the teeth and gums of patients who have run into injury and decay. However, in extreme cases, tooth extractions are a necessity.
In instances where a tooth is broken, decayed, or infected beyond repair, an extraction both relieves a patient’s pain and discomfort and eliminates the long-term risk of damage spreading to surrounding teeth. Another common, though no less important, instance in which extractions are necessary is that of wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” are the final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood. Most people have four wisdom teeth, though some may have fewer or none at all.
While some people never experience issues with their wisdom teeth, it’s important that they be monitored closely. This is because if wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come in properly, they can cause severe pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. It’s for this reason that many people require wisdom teeth extraction.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Typically Need to Be Extracted?
Since wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, they often don't have enough room to come in properly and become “impacted.” Most dentists recommend the preventive extractions of wisdom teeth, as they can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including:
- Severe pain and swelling
- Misalignment among surrounding teeth, leading to bite problems
- Decay and gum disease, as wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly
- Cysts or tumors that can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth
Procrastinating wisdom tooth extraction not only increases the risks of these complications but can also lead to difficulty eating and speaking and even infection that can spread throughout the body. It’s, therefore, very important to consult with a dentist and address any concerns about wisdom teeth before they become major issues.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Apex, NC
If you’re in the Apex, NC area and would like to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction, rather than simply Googling “wisdom tooth extraction” and taking your chances, contact dentist Dr. Dustin Prusik and the team at Olive Chapel Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.