Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed, but it is often recommended for many patients. Let’s consider some factors.

When a tooth is lost or extracted, there is no question that it needs to be replaced. Missing teeth jeopardize the health and security of surrounding teeth and lead to deterioration of the jawbone. However, with all the restorative dentistry options available, it can be difficult for patients to determine which is the best way to treat missing teeth. Dental implants are the most advanced treatment for missing teeth, and the only one that addresses the loss of the entire tooth. For these reasons and more, Dr. Theodore J. Grellner urges patients to consider dental implant treatment for tooth loss. He discusses dental implant treatment with his patients in detail so they are well prepared for the procedure and recovery. Here, we discuss the dental implant side effects our Tampa, FL patients are likely to experience following surgery.

As you reach your late teens, you are likely to discuss wisdom tooth removal with your dentist. Wisdom teeth are the additional set of molars (third molars) that typically emerge in the early twenties. These additional molars are located at the very back of the mouth, and they are not necessary for biting and chewing. In many cases these third molars lead to a number of dental problems and wellness concerns.

The team at our Tampa dental care center have fielded numerous questions about wisdom tooth removal and oral surgery. Right now, we want to consider whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary and what we keep in mind when making this determination.

Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed? – Not necessarily.

For some, their wisdom teeth come in perfectly straight and do not cause any problems or increased risk of dental issues. However, that is not always the case with all people. There are a number of cases in which wisdom teeth come in crooked, resulting in minor and major problems. Removal of the wisdom teeth helps prevent these issues from arising.

The Issue of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impaction is one of the most common problems with wisdom teeth. This means that the wisdom teeth are coming in crooked and growing at an angle that does not allow them to fully emerge. This can be quite painful, and it can lead to damage to adjacent teeth and even the jawbone.

Health Problems That Wisdom Teeth Can Cause

When wisdom teeth are impacted, there are several dental health issues that dentists consider.

• The Dental Implant Difference One of the primary differences between dental implants and alternate treatments for missing teeth is that implants are actually surgically implanted into the jaw. During an initial surgical procedure, the implants are placed into the jaw at the treatment site. Once placed, we wait several weeks for the jaw to recover, allowing the implants (which are actually tiny titanium screws) to fuse with the jawbone. When this recovery is complete, abutments will be attached to the implants. These abutments connect to the dental implants and protrude from the gum line so they can be attached to restorations, such as crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. This surgical procedure and the fusion that takes place is what provides patients with the superior level of security, durability, and comfort.
• Dental Implants Side Effects Because dental implants do require oral surgery, patients should expect to experience some side effects following treatment. The majority of these side effects develop during recovery from the initial surgery in which the implants are placed. Below are some of the most common side effects of dental implant treatment:
• Dental Pain – It can be very painful to have wisdom teeth come in crooked, resulting in major and persistent toothaches.
• Damaged Teeth – If the wisdom teeth press against your existing molars, they can cause damage to those teeth because of the pressure exerted on the tooth structure.
• Gum Inflammation – It’s not uncommon for the gum tissue around wisdom teeth to become swollen if they are not coming in straight.
• Damage to the Jaw – Cysts may potentially form around the wisdom teeth, causing damage to the jawbone or the nerves in the jaw.
• Problems with Dental Alignment – When wisdom teeth come in crooked, they can lead to your other teeth becoming poorly aligned. They can potentially undo years of orthodontic care.
  Sinus Problems – Depending on how the upper wisdom teeth are coming in, they can contribute to sinus pain and congestion.

Learn More About Oral Surgery and Advanced Dental Care

To learn more about wisdom teeth and whether or not they should be removed, be sure to contact an experienced oral surgeon and dental care specialist today. Our team looks forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest mouth possible.