The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the final set of teeth to erupt in your mouth. This can happen at any point in your life, but it most commonly takes place between the ages of 13 and 25. During the early years of adolescence, X-rays can reveal the presence of these teeth, allowing us to determine in advance whether or not there may be dental issues in the years to come.
There are some people who don't need to have their wisdom teeth extracted, but the majority of adults do. The following are the six most common reasons why our dentist in Summerlin may recommend having them removed as a preventative measure, prior to the onset of other complications:
The vast majority of patients wait until their wisdom teeth cause constant discomfort before undergoing oral surgery. The region immediately surrounding your teeth may be the only place you experience pain and swelling, or it may spread throughout your face. There is a possibility that redness and tenderness will be present; these are both symptoms of an infection.
Unfortuitously, these symptoms are not going to go away on their own. It is possible that "toughing it out" will result in a painful toothache that requires immediate dental care, but discomfort can be temporarily relieved by over-the-counter medication. It is in your best interest to take action before you reach that point.
Dr. Cohan will evaluate the anatomy surrounding your developing wisdom teeth using the panoramic X-ray that you will receive. Even though every tooth has what is known as a "developmental cyst" surrounding it, there are times when the cyst can become infected or grow too large. When something like this occurs, it can cause damage to the bones in your jaw.
During your dental exam, you should inquire about seeing your X-rays. We'll show you what appears to be normal, as well as any areas that stand out as being out of the ordinary. You are going to experience the same things that we do!
Wisdom teeth are prone to a number of issues, one of the most common of which is that they become impacted in the bone or the teeth that are adjacent to them. Because of this, it may only erupt in part, if at all, or not at all. Because there is only a small portion of the tooth that is visible, brushing and flossing can be difficult, if not downright impossible. Additionally, the pressure can cause damage to your teeth that is irreparable if your third molars are pressing into the teeth in front of them.
A chain reaction that can be problematic for your smile is tooth misalignment. This chain reaction can be caused by a lack of space in your mouth or by wisdom teeth that are impacted. Because of their position in the back of the mouth, third molars can exert a significant amount of pressure, which can cause the teeth in front of them to shift forward. This causes pressure to gradually build up all the way to the front of your smile over time.
After a period of time, you may end up with crowded teeth and front teeth that overlap. If you have already worn braces in the past, this can be an especially disheartening experience because you will need to wear another set of orthodontics in order to realign your teeth.
When you visit our dental office in Summerlin for treatment of a cavity, we will almost always advise you to get a filling. If you treat the cavity when it's still in its early stages, it will be less likely to spread to the teeth that are adjacent to it.
However, the position of the wisdom teeth in the mouth makes it exceptionally challenging to clean them. As a consequence of this, they are prone to developing cavities. Because cavities are likely to reappear after they have been treated, it is generally recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted rather than treat active decay in your third molar.
It's possible that you'll need to have your wisdom teeth extracted if the third molars in your mouth are beginning to show signs of gingivitis or gum disease in the area around them. Leaving your wisdom teeth in place puts the health of your other teeth, which are otherwise in good shape, at risk of periodontal infections, which can spread to adjacent teeth and cause bone and gum recession.
If, during the course of your routine checkups and X-rays, Dr. Cohan notices that your third molars are exhibiting symptoms of tissue detachment and bone loss, he will likely advise you to have your wisdom teeth removed.
It's Past the Point of No Return
Around the time you turn 30, most people have completed the development of all of their wisdom teeth. Oral surgery is something you should give some thought to if you are an adult who is beginning to experience pain, swelling, or molars that are persistently infected.
Does Having Your Third Molar Removed Hurt?
Oral surgery is something that can cause a lot of people to feel anxious, especially prior to the procedure. However, the process of extracting wisdom teeth varies from patient to patient. Some extractions are more straightforward than others, which involve more involved processes. The best dentist in Summerlin will be able to provide you with sedation so that you can remain calm and collected throughout the procedure.
Our dentist is able to work more quickly and effectively, allowing him to finish your oral surgery in a shorter amount of time, when you are relaxed enough that you can even fall asleep during the appointment. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, we provide a wide range of sedation options, from safe and comfortable laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to oral sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. There is a solution that is appropriate for anyone's level of comfort or fear of the dentist.
Do You Believe That You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In order to determine whether or not you require the removal of your wisdom teeth, you should schedule an appointment with our dentist in Summerlin, Nevada. Your third molars will be examined, and Dr. Marianne Cohan will make recommendations regarding the next steps to take. Any questions that you might have, please don't hesitate to ask!
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
