Wisdom Teeth

Background

Wisdom teeth are the final set of adult molars to appear, typically arriving between the teens and 20s. While some people never have any problems with their wisdom teeth, others experience pain, discomfort, and other issues because their mouth cannot adequately accommodate all 32 teeth.

Advantages

There are a variety of complications that can develop from wisdom teeth that make extraction a desirable option. Wisdom teeth can grow in crooked, or misaligned, become impacted within the jawbone, or cause crowding, making it difficult for you to keep teeth clean, leading to the increased likelihood of cavities or other dental health problems.

Assessment

Research shows that early evaluation and intervention offers the best outcomes. The staff at Palmetto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can perform a thorough examination before and after your wisdom teeth appear to determine if extraction is necessary.

Procedure

In instances where patients opt to have their wisdom teeth removed, anesthesia (generally IV sedation) is provided and the surgeon removes the wisdom teeth. Anesthesia options and potential risks are discussed with you and your questions answered prior to the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, you are monitored for a short period of time to ensure that you are safe to go home.