Orthodontic care often involves years of dedicated effort to perfect a young adult’s smile, ensuring optimal health and alignment. However, as young adults transition through their late teens, the emergence of wisdom teeth, or third molars, can sometimes present new challenges. As these teeth begin to erupt through the gum line, they may not always emerge perfectly straight. Frequently, due to insufficient space within the jaw, wisdom teeth may erupt at an angle, potentially impacting adjacent teeth and overall oral health.
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Wisdom teeth may necessitate removal if they are contributing to the following issues:
- Pain or infection
- Damage to neighboring teeth
- Tooth decay or gum disease
Furthermore, orthodontists may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth as an integral part of a patient’s comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort associated with your wisdom teeth, it is crucial to consult with your dentist to explore appropriate treatment and procedural options. Impacted wisdom teeth can be a source of pain, irritation, and can negatively affect the health of surrounding teeth and tissues.
Should the removal of impacted wisdom teeth be necessary, a dentist will conduct a thorough oral evaluation to formulate a tailored treatment plan. This evaluation typically includes x-rays to gain a comprehensive view of the mouth. Most wisdom teeth extractions are outpatient procedures that can be performed by a general dentist. However, in more complex cases, an oral surgeon may be required.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.