Your wisdom teeth, also called third molars, generally appear in your late teens to early twenties. For many people, there is sufficient room to accommodate the wisdom teeth and they are able to grow in without incident. However for others, the wisdom teeth encounter obstacles to eruption and must be extracted. When you need a tooth extraction by a general dentist in Las Vegas, schedule your consultation with Dr. Thomas Kintonis.
Why Would I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
There are many reasons a wisdom tooth might need to be extracted. When the tooth is not able to erupt and grow into the mouth naturally, it is considered an impacted tooth. While an impacted tooth may not cause you pain or discomfort, it may still require a tooth extraction.
An impacted wisdom tooth may cause damage to surrounding teeth. It can also increase the likelihood of infection or decay by making it more difficult for you to clean your teeth due to overcrowding. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop abscesses or cysts. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can create a shifting of the teeth that are in place. This is especially unfortunate when your teeth have been guided into their ideal position through orthodontics.
What to Expect from the Tooth Extraction Procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction is commonly performed with local anesthetic or intravenous sedation, depending upon the position of the tooth and root development. During the procedure, gum tissue may need to be removed to access the tooth. Once visible, the tooth may be removed in its entirety or divided into smaller pieces.
Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you suspect that you have wisdom teeth coming in, it is best to schedule an appointment with our general dentist in Las Vegas for a thorough evaluation. Dr. Thomas Kintonis can monitor the progress of your wisdom teeth and recommend a tooth extraction when necessary.