Wisdom Teeth Removal
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed
Wisdom teeth do not always have enough room to emerge properly, which can lead to crowding, discomfort, or damage to nearby teeth. If you are searching for wisdom teeth extraction on the South Shore. Scituate Oral Surgery provides personalized care based on your unique needs. Dr. An-Louise Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with both DDS and MD degrees, combines more than 21 years of experience with a compassionate approach to help patients protect their long-term oral health.
Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Issues?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!
Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Many patients ask, what happens if you don’t remove wisdom teeth when they are causing problems. Wisdom teeth that remain impacted or partially erupted may increase the risk of infection, tooth decay, gum inflammation, cyst formation, or damage to neighboring teeth, although removal is only recommended when clinically appropriate. During your evaluation, our team will explain your findings clearly and recommend treatment only if it supports your oral health.
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Common infected wisdom tooth symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste caused by infection around a partially erupted tooth. If you are looking for impacted wisdom teeth removal, our experienced team can evaluate your wisdom teeth with a thorough examination and determine whether extraction is the right option. Every patient receives individualized recommendations based on their symptoms, oral health, and treatment goals.
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The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Your visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a discussion of your treatment plan, so you know what to expect before your procedure. Dr. Johnson uses evidence-based techniques and a patient-first approach to perform wisdom teeth removal with a focus on precision, comfort, and clear communication throughout every stage of care. After your procedure, our team provides detailed recovery instructions and ongoing support to help you heal comfortably.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Scituate Oral Surgery has proudly served the community since 1972. Since 2005, it has been a privately owned, women-owned oral surgery practice dedicated exclusively to oral and maxillofacial care. Patients appreciate our knowledgeable, personable team, our commitment to continually learning advanced techniques, and our focus on delivering exceptional patient experiences. If you are considering wisdom teeth extractions, contact Scituate Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your oral health.
Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Issues?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!