Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, begin to emerge when you reach your late teens or early twenties. In the past, these “extra” teeth served an evolutionary purpose, filling in the gaps left behind by tooth loss. But today, a wisdom tooth coming in can only cause unnecessary crowding. In most cases, your dentist will recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed—and there is no one better to perform the procedure than an oral surgeon.

Basic Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Ideally, you should have your wisdom teeth out as they’re first beginning to form, before their roots are well established. This can be a simple and straightforward procedure. First, you’ll be placed under anesthesia to mute any discomfort. Then, your oral surgeon will gently loosen the emerging molar and remove it from your mouth. This process has a recovery period of a few days, and afterward, your smile will stay aligned just as before without any crowding.

Potential Complications

In some cases, your procedure may be a little more difficult. For example, some patients may find their wisdom teeth are impacted. An impacted tooth is blocked and can’t emerge from the bone and gum tissue of your jaw. But, it can still affect other teeth nearby, so your surgeon will need to make an incision to extract it.

In other cases, the wisdom tooth is too tightly rooted for a simple extraction and must be cut into pieces to remove it. If you’re suffering from these types of complicating factors, your dentist will be more likely to refer you to an oral surgeon for the work. If you have any questions about the procedure, ask your dentist or oral surgeon before your treatment.

Oral Surgery Center, S.C. in Baraboo, WI, provides skilled, professional care to dental patients throughout the area. Oral surgeons Dr. Erich Herbst and Dr. Steven Anderson have extensive experience in their field and are committed to your satisfaction. To schedule treatment, call the practice today at (608) 356-2112. You can also learn more about wisdom tooth extraction and other procedures on their website.