Should Wisdom Teeth Always Be Removed?

Dentist Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sioux City IA

Wisdom teeth are often referred to as the “third set of molars” that emerge between the ages of 15 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one on each side, in their upper and lower jaw. Sadly, wisdom teeth are often problematic due to a lack of space to come in. That’s why many dentists recommend having wisdom teeth removed. In this post, Dr. Nhu Le from Sioux City Family Dentistry in Sioux City, Iowa, answers your questions about wisdom teeth and their removal.

Do wisdom teeth always have to be removed?

No. If your wisdom teeth have fully emerged, aren’t causing pain, and aren’t clashing with existing teeth, there’s no reason to have them removed. Sometimes wisdom teeth remain “dormant” well into adulthood without impeding your oral health, making removal unnecessary.

What are the risks of keeping wisdom teeth?

Keeping wisdom teeth puts you at risk of multiple dental problems. If these teeth have no space to emerge, they can be affected. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, painful chewing, oral infections, and inflamed gums. Food can easily become trapped behind a partially emerged wisdom tooth, putting you at risk of decay and gum disease. There’s also the risk of cysts developing around your wisdom teeth and growing large enough to damage healthy teeth. Through dental x-rays and a comprehensive oral exam, Dr. Le can determine if your wisdom teeth have the potential to cause problems and should be removed.

What is the best age for wisdom teeth removal?

Most people have these teeth removed between the ages of 16 and 25, even if they’re not experiencing pain or other dental problems. The longer you wait to remove wisdom teeth, the more difficult the procedure will be, as your teeth will become fully rooted in your jaw. Early wisdom teeth extraction minimizes your risk of complications and improves your chances of having a speedier recovery.

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What’s the process for removing wisdom teeth?

Dr. Le will numb your mouth for this procedure to ensure you feel no discomfort or pain. Nitrous oxide is also available to help you relax for this treatment. Then, we’ll make an incision in your gum to gain access to your tooth, remove any bone in the way, and pull your tooth loose. Once your tooth is extracted, we’ll clean and disinfect the extraction site and suture your gum closed so it can heal.

How long will the recovery from wisdom teeth removal take?

That depends on the complexity of your treatment, your overall health, and your body’s ability to heal. Most people fully recover from wisdom tooth extraction in one to two weeks. Dr. Le will provide detailed instructions for caring for the extraction site and tips to expedite your healing.

Where can I find a skilled dentist near me who can remove wisdom teeth?

Look no further than Dr. Nhu Le from Sioux City Family Dentistry in Sioux City, IA. To schedule an appointment for this treatment, contact us at (712) 639-6665.

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Dr. Nhu Le, DMD

Dr. Nhu Le completed her undergraduate studies in Physical Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego, before earning her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her General Practice Residency at Montefiore Hospital of Albert Einstein University. With experience owning and managing her own private dental practice, Dr. Le has further enhanced her expertise through extensive continuing education at the renowned Kois Center. She is dedicated to offering a broad spectrum of dental treatments, ensuring excellent patient care and follow-up.

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