Wisdom Teeth Removal

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Your wisdom teeth are the third molars that come in between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people are able to keep their wisdom teeth, most need them extracted to prevent crowding.

Our dentists may recommend wisdom teeth removal if they notice your third molars are coming in at an angle. Sometimes, the jaw may not be big enough to accommodate the extra teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Our dentists will take dental x-rays to predict the trajectory of your wisdom teeth before they come through the gum line. That way, we’ll be able to determine whether you need wisdom tooth extraction. We understand that each patient is different, which is why we thoroughly evaluate your case before recommending wisdom teeth surgery.

People are able to live normal lives without their wisdom teeth. In fact, wisdom teeth removal is preferable to having these molars push other teeth out of the way as they erupt through the gum line. Some people are able to avoid wisdom teeth removal if the molars are coming in straight and there’s enough room in the jaw.

Our dentists are dedicated to helping patients maintain good oral health. To schedule your appointment with one of our Westland dentists, call Parkside Dental Team at (734) 261-6060.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is the result of insufficient room in the mouth for the tooth to develop and erupt properly. In some cases, the tooth is only partially impacted—meaning that part of the tooth was able to emerge from the gums. 

When a tooth is fully impacted, it may have grown at an angle. This causes it to push on the tooth next to it, or even grow at a right angle to other teeth. Fully impacted wisdom teeth may also grow at a proper angle but remain lodged in the jawbone.

Complications of impacted wisdom teeth may include damage to nearby teeth or the jawbone, the formation of cysts, decay, and gum disease. The best treatment for an impacted wisdom tooth is removal.

What are symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth?

Common symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth include:

  • Pain in the jaw or face
  • Bleeding gums
  • Numbness
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty opening the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen glands in the neck

Bi-annual dental examinations and yearly X-rays are the best way to prevent pain and complications caused by impacted wisdom teeth. This allows our dentists to identify potential issues and treat them proactively.

What is the best age for wisdom teeth removal?

In most people, the third molars erupt during the late teenage years or the early twenties. The majority of our patients have their wisdom teeth extracted when they’re in high school, shortly after the teeth have erupted. 

While it’s possible to have wisdom teeth removed at a later stage, patients who postpone extraction may increase their risk of further problems. This may include infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and even nerve damage.

Does everybody need to have their wisdom teeth removed?

While many of our patients need their tooth extracted, wisdom tooth removal is not a universal right of passage. That is, not everybody needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. 

If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, not impacting surrounding teeth, and you can clean them properly with normal dental hygiene, you may never need to have them removed.

Review your post-op instructions here.