A wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed because a dental patient doesn't have enough room for his or her wisdom tooth. Of the thirty two teeth, the wisdom tooth is the last to erupt into the mouth and take its place. By the time this tooth comes into the mouth, most of the room is taken and the tooth can't fit into the dental arch. 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 gum pouch that traps food. The trapped food can cause tooth decay or pericornitis and gum swelling around the unerupted tooth's crown.

         It is 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 the dental infection 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. This is a very serious matter and should be attended to immediately.

         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 dearly for orthodontics, the last thing you want to happen is for your teeth to move and shift out of balance. Early wisdom tooth removal may even avoid the need for orthodontic care. When a wisdom tooth is trapped inside the jaw bone, a dental 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 dental 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.

         If you are having any dental swelling or pain, it is very important to seek dental care immediately. Wisdom tooth extraction procedures can avoid many serious problems and are almost always easier if performed before a serious infection develops. Our dental office, the Atlanta Dental Group PC, even offers dental financing for qualified patients to allow our patients to receive their needed care. Call and take good care of yourself. It pays off.