Preventing Wisdom Tooth Impaction

For teen patients and young adults in Albuquerque, NM, the risk of wisdom tooth impaction can be high. As we approach adulthood, these additional molars may erupt and threaten our overall oral health. In order to prevent a painful impaction, we often recommend extraction. When do we remove wisdom teeth and what should you expect from this procedure?

Wisdom Teeth

Also known as third molars, they tend to erupt in a patient’s late teens or early 20s. For some, all four molars could erupt, others may only have a few arrive. If we find that your molars are likely to erupt, we may recommend removing them. Otherwise, the teeth could only partially erupt, causing an impaction. Wisdom tooth impaction has been linked to painful toothaches, infection, damaged teeth, and the onset of dental misalignment. If you’re approaching adulthood and worry about the arrival of your third molars, consider scheduling a visit today for a thorough examination.

Dental Extraction

The extraction process involves opening the area of the mouth where these teeth reside, then gently rocking them free and removing them carefully. Afterward, we suture the area closed. You will return home, with detailed instructions for eating and smile care in the next few hours and days, which helps ensure a complication-free healing period. We will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your smile. In addition to addressing third molars, we may suggest extraction to address teeth with severe decay or infections, teeth loosened by advanced gum disease, or those that have become severely damaged. For some, correcting misalignment even means removing a tooth to make room for the rest of your smile to be repositioned.

Ensuring Your Comfort

We always take steps to ensure our patients feel comfortable throughout the procedure. In addition to local anesthesia, we may also suggest sedation to help patients enter a calm and relaxed state. We will discuss your options and take a careful look at your medical history before recommending calming solutions. If we need to remove a tooth that has become damaged or infected, then there will be an exposed gap in your smile. To fill the gap, we may discuss possible replacement options, such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. If you have any questions about the extraction process, wisdom teeth, or even tooth replacement, then please contact our team today.

Ready to Address Your Third Molars?

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Mark A. Miller and our team offer a safe and comfortable solution to wisdom teeth with a dental extraction. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation at our Albuquerque, NM, office to discuss our other restorative options and to begin your journey toward a healthier smile. We welcome patients and families from Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and all surrounding communities.

Share this Article