When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

Oral health is important – especially when it comes to wisdom teeth. At Barker Dentistry  Implant Center in Conroe, TX, we know that removing your wisdom teeth can seem daunting, but your oral health may depend on it. On average, wisdom teeth grow between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. However, yours may arrive later or not at all.

Our practice encourages all our patients to understand why they need their wisdom teeth extracted under the care of our doctor, Stephen Barker. Here are our reasons.

1. Impaction and Misalignment

Wisdom teeth can face several challenges as they attempt to emerge, such as:

• Lack of space, leading to impacted teeth that remain beneath the gum surface.
• Growth at awkward angles, possibly even horizontally.
• Potential for pain, swelling, and the misalignment of other teeth due to improper growth.

2. Infection and Gum Disease

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a pathway for bacteria, leading to several problems:

• Increased risk of infection or cysts around the wisdom tooth area.
• Painful inflammation and the onset of periodontal disease can result if left untreated.

3. Tooth Decay

The location of wisdom teeth can make them particularly vulnerable to decay:

• Difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss, increasing the risk for cavities.
• Significant decay may necessitate removal to prevent further oral health complications.

4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth

The emergence of wisdom teeth can negatively impact surrounding teeth by:

• Causing tooth pain and bite issues due to pressure against the second molars.
• Leading to the need for corrective dental treatments if adjacent teeth are damaged.

5. Chronic Pain and Discomfort

• Persistent gum pain around the wisdom teeth might indicate underlying issues requiring removal.
• A thorough examination can determine if discomfort is due to crowding or impaction.

6. Orthodontic Reasons

For patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment, wisdom tooth removal may be advisable to:

• Prevent undoing the results achieved from braces or aligners.
• Ensure that the alignment and spacing of teeth are maintained long-term.

As a board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Barker’s expertise in oral surgery will make sure that you will get the best care and that any wisdom teeth removal you may need will be done using the best possible state of the art dental technology and methods. Furthermore, we will use the latest methods of sedation dentistry to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. Our goal is treating all our patients with the kindest care possible.

Whether you’re dealing with a wisdom tooth emergency or it’s simply time for your next exam, Barker Dentistry and Implant Centre is here to walk you through the process from start to finish. Our practice offers a full range of dental services so your smile looks and feels its best.

For the best in personal, compassionate care and advice by a dentist who truly cares about your wisdom tooth removal, call us today at 832-479-6843, or stop by our office at 6870 Almeda Road in Houston, TX. We want to be your dentist for a lifetime!

‍