Your last molars, called the third molars or wisdom teeth, typically begin to erupt, during the late teens. In many cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When they do not have room to grow in properly, they are considered impacted and may cause serious problems. There are several types or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw.
For many people, the best treatment for wisdom teeth is to remove them. While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem as pain, welling, decay or infection, or as a preventive measure to avoid serious problems in the future. It is often better to remove wisdom teeth early, while their roots are still small, even before the teeth have come through the gums. This allows for easier removal, fewer compilations and faster healing. The treatment helps to prevent future dental problems and maintain healthy mouth and smile.
To determine if extracting wisdom teeth is right for you, Dr. Clark will perform a thorough examination which includes a panoramic x-ray.