A wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed because a patient doesn't have enough room for the wisdom tooth. Of the 32 teeth, it's the last to erupt into the mouth. By the time it comes into the mouth, most of the room is taken and the tooth doesn't fit. Because of limited space, an impacted wisdom tooth can grow sideways or become trapped under the gums. When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, it forms a pouch that traps food. The trapped food can cause tooth decay or pericornitis, gum swelling around the unerupted crown.

         It's very important to have a wisdom tooth extraction when the gums around a wisdom tooth become infected. The dental infection causes wisdom tooth swelling, dental pain and a bad breath. If the wisdom tooth infection is untreated it can continue and result in facial swelling which can prevent the mouth from opening. This can make it impossible to perform oral surgery. In some cases, patients have to be hospitalized because of difficulty breathing if the swelling presses into the airway.

         Orthodontic patients usually have a wisdom tooth extraction after getting braces off since the pressure from a wisdom tooth trying to get into the mouth can cause the rest of the teeth to move out of place. After paying for orthodontics, the last thing you want to happen is for your teeth to move. Early wisdom tooth removal may even avoid the need for orthodontic care. When a wisdom tooth is trapped inside the jaw bone, a cyst can form around the tooth. A dental cyst can grow and push teeth out of their way. In some rare cases, a dental cyst can form a tumor. This is a good reason for having wisdom tooth surgery early in life.

          A wisdom tooth is also called a third molar and a dentist may refer to its removal as third molar surgery. Problems can develop without a patient having any dental pain. The Atlanta Dental Group PC provides our patients with most oral surgery services including routine tooth extraction and wisdom tooth extraction. Most oral surgery procedures go very well, take less than an hour and are done in our office. Our dental practice also offers emergency dental services if you are hurting. Call 404-874-7428 for an appointment with our senior dentist atlanta, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky.