The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are extraneous teeth located far in the back of the mouth. These teeth serve no real purpose and many people have them removed in their teens or early 20’s. How do you know if you need your wisdom teeth removed, and what does it mean when wisdom teeth are impacted? Drs. Clark and Clark at Hill Avenue Dentalcan help. Conveniently located in Superior, WI, our team offers everything you need to enjoy optimal oral health and a beautiful smile, including wisdom teeth extraction when necessary.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
While it is true that not all wisdom teeth must be removed, each patient should be thoroughly evaluated by a dentist prior to their full development and eruption to ensure proper growth. In many cases, the removal of one or more wisdom teeth is deemed necessary. These situations include the crowding of surrounding teeth, the inability erupt from the jaw bone itself, and partial eruption through the gum line.
When a wisdom tooth erupts only partially, the cut that it creates in the gum tissue becomes susceptible to bacterial infection. In addition to causing pain for the patient, these bacteria can lead to a variety of other issues, including illness accompanied by a fever. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with an infection, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin treatment before the problem worsens. Signs of wisdom tooth impaction include:
· Pain and inflammation in the gums surrounding the tooth
· Headaches and/or ear pain
· Tenderness and swelling in the jaw
· An abscess in the gum tissue near a wisdom tooth
· Recurrent bad breath
· Unpleasant taste in the mouth
· Unexplained bleeding
If you notice any of these symptoms, call our office right away to schedule your appointment.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth may be impacted or you’d like to find out more about how wisdom tooth extraction is performed, we invite you to contact our office in Superior, WI today to reserve your visit with Drs. Clark and Clark. Our team can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our cutting-edge practice. We proudly serve families from throughout the entire Superior area, including Duluth, Northeastern Minnesota, Douglas County, Northern Wisconsin, and beyond.