Wisdom Teeth Removal

Everyone has a set of wisdom teeth, but this set of ‘final molars’ often stays impacted.  Some patients experience these teeth beginning to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 24.  Even when that happens, there is not enough space in the mouth for these wisdom teeth to grow, which is why the Oyster Bay Family Dentists typically recommend extraction. 

Keeping wisdom teeth too long can cause oral discomfort and headaches, as well as damage the surrounding teeth and put a patient at risk for infection. If you experience swollen or tender gums around the wisdom teeth, jaw pain, or facial swelling, give us a call. We can determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed, and discuss sedation options and procedure with you.  The procedure will include stitches and some down time, but following instructions, a patient’s recovery shouldn’t take more than a week.

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Many of us have heard of a friend or family member who has had their wisdom teeth removed. It is a very common procedure, but it makes you wonder what wisdom teeth are for and why they are taken out so often. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY want to inform their patients of why wisdom teeth are around and the benefits of removing them.

Wisdom teeth are thought to have had a purpose around 20,000 years ago, but not so much now. Back then, humans may have needed an extra set of teeth to chew through the hard items in their diet like roots and uncooked meat. Since then, the sizes of our jaws and face have gotten smaller; explaining why many of us do not have enough room for wisdom teeth.

Since wisdom teeth create an overcrowded mouth for many of us, this creates several problems that are solved when we extract them. When the teeth do not have enough room to grow in correctly, they can damage other teeth, create hard-to-reach places, or become impacted; meaning they are completely or partially stuck in the jaw. Impacted teeth can cause gum disease by trapping bacteria under the gum tissue that is still present over the chewing surface.

While wisdom teeth may have had a purpose in the past, problems with them are frequent these days. If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth growing in, schedule an examination with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY by calling (516) 922-5730 or by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.