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If you have complications with your wisdom teeth or third set of molars, your dentist may recommend that you visit an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal. These complications could include wisdom teeth that remain below the gum line, come in at an odd angle, or threaten the alignment of your other teeth.

At NextGen OMS in Richardson, TX, our oral surgeon has an extensive medical and dental background and specializes in procedures such as the surgical removal of wisdom teeth.

Why Do So Many People Have Problems With Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth come in after the last tooth on both sides and on the top and bottom of your mouth, for a total of four wisdom teeth. They typically mature and erupt in your late teens or early 20s. Wisdom teeth are not essential for good oral health. In fact, they often cause more trouble than they’re worth.

Third molars are known as vestigial teeth. Due to changes in diet and evolution, humans have evolved past the need for another set of teeth to grind food. Instead, we rely on the two sets of molars that mature in early adolescence. As a result, our jawlines have shrunk over the ages. This causes unfortunate problems related to limited space when wisdom teeth attempt to fully develop.

Your dentist might recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed even if they come in normally. In other cases, you may need wisdom teeth removal due to problems they create for your other teeth.

If you’re like most people, the growth of your wisdom teeth creates crowding in your oral cavity. Those with smaller jaws may experience a greater occurrence of irregular wisdom teeth development. These late-blooming molars are huge compared to other teeth in your mouth, and they can put a lot of pressure on your other teeth causing misalignment, problems with your bite, and other oral health issues.

That’s why so many people need the help of an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.

What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Having your wisdom teeth extracted can actually prevent issues with proper oral hygiene. When you let your wisdom teeth grow in, it may be hard to keep them clean due to their unusual positions. This can lead to a risk of infections, cavities, and other oral health issues.

So, pulling your wisdom teeth may make the most sense to your dentist. Some people worry about undergoing surgical removal of their third molars. At NextGen OMS, our staff carefully walks you through every step of the process so that you feel confident before, during, and after the procedure.

Learn more about the wisdom behind wisdom teeth removal by a qualified, experienced oral surgeon.

Less Crowding

The smaller jaws of modern humans make wisdom teeth a threat to your other teeth. We no longer need those four additional molars that arrive as we approach adulthood. Because your mouth has limited space, the pressure from wisdom teeth can cause headaches, potential infections of the jawbone, and a variety of other unpleasant side effects.

Crowding among your other teeth may require braces or other corrective appliances to reverse. This can quickly become uncomfortable and expensive. By removing your wisdom teeth, you can avoid the hassle, pain and expense related to keeping them and dealing with the aftermath.

Damage to Nearby Teeth

Even if your extra set of molars emerge completely, it’s extremely difficult to clean them. You have less room behind the last teeth to maneuver your toothbrush, floss, and other dental health instruments. This makes it more likely that you can develop an infection that can spread to other teeth.

Even fully emerged wisdom teeth place pressure on other molars due to their size and position. They can develop weak roots that can lead to a root canal and impact neighboring teeth. These are just some reasons that many people choose to have their wisdom teeth pulled.

Risk of Oral Diseases

Wisdom teeth removal can also help prevent the risk of developing oral diseases. Cavities aren’t the only risk when it comes to having four unnecessary teeth in your mouth. Wisdom teeth often become inflamed along the gum line. This puts you at greater risk for gum disease. Talk to your dentist and oral surgeon to determine the risk and rewards of keeping or removing your wisdom teeth.

Increased Discomfort Level

Even when wisdom teeth develop normally, they can eventually cause you pain. To avoid future infections and problems, it’s probably a good idea to have them taken out by a trusted oral surgeon recommended by your dentist. Pulling third molars reduces the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. At the end of the day, you may find that you have far less discomfort following the extraction of these extra molars.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions we get when dental practitioners refer clients to NextGen OMS for wisdom teeth removal. It’s important to understand the role of an oral surgeon when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy.

What does an oral maxillofacial surgeon do?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat an array of diseases, defects, and injuries in the head and neck area, including the mouth and jaw. They receive specialized training to deal with hard and soft tissues in the facial area. They can also administer anesthesia and perform complicated surgeries such as wisdom tooth removal.

Is an oral surgeon the same as a dentist?

Some dentists feel comfortable removing wisdom teeth and may take them out when you come in for an annual checkup or follow-up. However, in cases where your wisdom teeth do not emerge above the gum line or come in at an odd angle, dentists typically refer clients to medical professionals with specialized training in complex oral surgery.

At NextGen OMS, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon has the dental and medical training required to perform complicated surgeries on your teeth. They also specialize in the removal of tumors, cancers, and abnormalities and the reconstruction of impacted areas.

Why did my dentist send me to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal?

Your dentist may feel that utilizing the services of an oral surgeon near Richardson, TX, would result in the best outcome for your particular case. If you have questions regarding the qualifications of the oral surgeon at NextGen OMS, feel free to reach out to our helpful staff for details on our services and qualifications.

Contact NextGen OMS today for more information on wisdom teeth removal at our office or to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve the residents of Richardson, TX, and the surrounding areas.