Wisdom Teeth Specialist

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 — when you’re older and wiser — which is where they get their name. They sit in the back of your mouth, known as your third set of molars. 

Some people have two wisdom teeth; some have four. In some cases, you might not have any at all. If you do have wisdom teeth and don’t have enough space for them when they come in, the crowding of your teeth can cause dental issues.

If your wisdom teeth don’t emerge, they can get trapped under the gum tissue in your jaw, causing pain, infections, and damage to your other teeth.

Your provider at Dentistry For Midtown can guide you on what steps to take with your wisdom teeth, whether they’re impacted or emerging.

Are my wisdom teeth impacted?

Impacted wisdom teeth can erupt partially or not at all. Symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen jaw
• Tooth decay
• Tenderness and redness in your gum line
• Small cyst formations on your gums 
• Pain when opening and closing your mouth
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact the team at Dentistry For Midtown for an evaluation right away.

Should I have my wisdom teeth extracted?

Your provider can perform an X-ray to determine if your wisdom teeth might cause problems in the future; that’s one reason why seeing your dentist for routine visits is so important.

Your dentist might recommend wisdom teeth extraction if you show signs of:

• Damage to other teeth
• Overcrowding issues
• Damage to your jaw
• Inflamed gums

If your wisdom teeth emerge crooked or misaligned, they can be hard to reach for cleaning, which can make extraction a necessary choice.

What can I expect with wisdom teeth extraction?

The dental team at Dentistry For Midtown uses iTero® technology to capture the structure of your teeth and gums. This system helps with precision when extracting your wisdom teeth, lowering the risk of complications and promoting quicker healing. 

Your wisdom teeth extraction can protect your oral health by reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease and causing damage to your other teeth. 

To schedule a consultation about your wisdom teeth with the team at Dentistry For Midtown, call the office or book your appointment online today.