Why are Wisdom Teeth Extracted

It’s rare that patients hear about wisdom teeth in any context outside of their extraction, and people may naturally wonder why that is. Since the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is experienced in tooth extractions and often handles complicated cases, we thought we’d explain why wisdom teeth are so often removed.

The third and largest set of molars, wisdom teeth are the last to erupt. Unfortunately, they usually do so after a person’s face has settled into its adult form and their skull bones have fused together, leaving the wisdom teeth without room to erupt fully. However, in their attempt to push through the gum line, they often shove other teeth out of place and pose a threat to orthodontic work the patient has already undergone.

In simple cases, the patient will be numbed during extraction and the only cutting necessary will be to the tooth itself. In cases where a large amount of the tooth is trapped below the gum line, it may be necessary for the patient to be sedated while the incisions are made. Standard post-extraction care will apply: patients should avoid using straws until they have fully healed and may need to return to have stitches removed.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.