Your Options For Wisdom Teeth Removal

One of the biggest problems in maintaining good oral care is the growth of one’s wisdom teeth and this is something that’s largely out of the individual’s control. Under normal circumstances, each person experiences the growth of four wisdom teeth, when they’re between 17 and 24 years old. These are the teeth at the very back of the mouth, consisting of two on each side with one in the upper back and one in the lower back. Normally, they will grow straight and become healthy teeth, but abnormal growths may require tooth extraction to correct the problem.

Under some circumstances, the tooth may emerge through the gums at an unusual angle, or there may be other dental problems that will cause overcrowding in that part of the mouth. Whatever the reason, an abnormally developed tooth may require wisdom tooth removal to alleviate the situation. These conditions cause what dentists call an impacted tooth and may cause extreme discomfort or pain for the individual.

Pericoronitis is Another Condition That May Require Tooth Extraction

Another cause of an abnormally developed wisdom tooth is called pericoronitis and this involves a wisdom tooth that doesn’t fully break through the gums. Often as a lack of space for growth, the wisdom tooth may only partially push itself through the gums and leaves a portion of the tooth still enveloped.
What makes this situation especially problematic and often requires wisdom tooth removal is that the tissue forms a pocket in which food particles may become trapped. As food gathers in this exposed opening, bacteria will breed and cause an infection to grow, causing a number of symptoms to indicate there’s a problem.

When pericoronitis does occur, the individual may experience swelling of the gum tissue in that area, which can also cause pain. Often, this is accompanied by an unpleasant odor or taste in the mouth, which may be very difficult to mask. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, spasms in the jaw, and the onset of a fever.

Treating Your Condition

While tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, this isn’t always the case. Depending on the severity of pericoronitis, the dentist may be able to remove the gum flap to allow normal development. The excess gum will be removed and cut away from the tooth, allowing the healthy portion of the gum to heal normally. This will alleviate the condition without requiring wisdom tooth removal in Las Vegas.

In some cases, wisdom tooth removal is necessary. Once the dentist cleans around the tooth to eliminate food that has encrusted around the tooth, he or she will be able to get a better look at the tooth. Sometimes, this helps the dentist see that the tooth must be extracted. While you may prefer to avoid tooth extraction, leaving a case of pericoronitis untreated can lead to infections that may get into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

While there may not be much you can do, once an impacted tooth begins to develop, taking proper care of your teeth may help prevent the condition. You may be able to avoid wisdom tooth removal in Las Vegas by developing regular brushing and flossing habits. This will ensure your teeth remain healthy and won’t shift in a way that may cause an impacted wisdom tooth to develop.

Additionally, regular check-ups with your dentist will help catch problems before they have a chance to worsen. An exam every six months will ensure your teeth are developing naturally, which reduces the risk of needing a full tooth extraction in the future. A Las Vegas NV top-rated dentist can help you care for your teeth, so they will stay strong and healthy for years to come. Nevada Dentistry & Braces can help you with a full dental exam and consultation. Call us today.