Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. Sometimes these teeth emerge from the gum line and the jaw is large enough to allow room for them, but most of the time, this is not the case. More often, one or more of these third molars fails to emerge in proper alignment or fails to fully emerge through the gum line and becomes entrapped or “impacted” between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling, pain, and infection of the cheek & gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can cause permanent damage to nearby teeth, gums, and bone and can sometimes lead to the formation of cysts or tumors that can destroy sections of the jaw. Therefore, we recommend to people with impacted wisdom teeth to have them surgically removed.

It’s not just wisdom teeth that sometimes become impacted and need to be removed. Other teeth, such as the cuspids and the bicuspids can become impacted and can cause the same types of problems described with impacted wisdom teeth.

Extractions are, however, performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay or infections that have destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable. Other reasons for extractions could be fractured teeth, severe gum disease, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment.

Whatever the reason may be, we ensure that the best possible care will be provided to you before, during, and after the extraction.