Despite the fact that humans mostly no longer need a third set of permanent molars, many of us still develop them. As a result, these molars (often referred to as wisdom teeth) can lead to several complications, most of which occur due to a lack of adequate room along the dental ridges. At Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgery office, we often help patients enjoy better oral health and a higher quality of life by extracting impacted wisdom teeth and preventing them from causing more damage.
Alleviating discomfort
An impacted wisdom tooth means that the molar has become stuck within the jawbone, unable to erupt due to interference by the existing molar and nearby jawbone structure. This impaction doesn’t stop the wisdom tooth from growing, and as it continues to do so, it causes increasingly more discomfort in and around the tooth. The only way to alleviate it is to remove the molar with surgical extraction.
Avoiding functional bite issues
The discomfort of an impacted wisdom tooth is a serious problem on its own, but the pressure of its attempted growth can also force other teeth out of alignment. This can disrupt your bite’s ability to function comfortably and fully, which will continue to grow worse the more your teeth are forced out of placed. After extracting one or more wisdom teeth, you may require additional treatment to restore proper balance and function to your bite.
Improving your overall oral health
When your smile is free of the influence of impacted wisdom teeth, greater comfort and bite function are important benefits. In addition, the rest of your healthy teeth have a greater chance at remaining strong and healthy for life, which means you have a better chance at avoiding serious issues like tooth loss in the future.
Find out if you need wisdom tooth extraction
Because of the several serious consequences that impacted wisdom teeth can cause, extracting them benefits your oral health and quality of life in several different ways. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
