During oral examinations at Broadway Family Dentistry, our dentists can evaluate a patient and determine the positioning of the wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are teeth that have the potential to become problematic for many of our patients. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt through the gumline, and often make their appearance in the late teens or early adulthood. When they develop, they can either become impacted underneath the gums and cause extreme pain, or they can erupt and cause misalignment or increase the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. In many situations, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen may recommend removal.
Why remove the wisdom teeth?
The wisdom teeth can become extremely troublesome if patients are not prepared for them. Patients who have had orthodontic work done to straighten their smile may want to ask their dentist about proactively extracting the wisdom teeth. This may be done to keep them from coming through the gumline and cause misalignment. Additionally, those who have their wisdom teeth in place may find them difficult to brush and floss because of their positioning. This can make them at a higher risk of developing cavities or periodontal disease. For many of our patients, removal of the wisdom teeth is often a recommended course of action.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
There are two ways in which the wisdom teeth can be extracted from the smile. Teeth that have come through the gumline may require simple extraction, which is fast and done quickly in the dental chair. However, if the teeth are impacted or have not come through the gumline yet, surgical extraction may be recommended. Surgical extraction is more invasive, but allows patients to be proactive in removing these teeth and keeping further issues from arising with time. Both procedures are done with proper sedation and anesthetics to ensure comfort.
Should I have my wisdom teeth extracted?
The best way to answer this question is to request a consultation appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Minot, North Dakota. Call (701) 839-1299 to speak to the front office team at Broadway Family Dentistry to schedule your visit and ask about this and other dental treatments available at 1839 South Broadway Street.
