Expert Wisdom Teeth Services in Bellingham, WA

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt at the back of the mouth behind the second molars. For some people, they erupt in early adulthood, and for others, they erupt later or not at all.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Some problems that may occur before or at the point of eruption include:

• Impacted teeth, which is when the wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly because they are positioned poorly. They might be upside down, on their side, or diagonal.
• Infection may occur when impaction persists. The gums can become swollen and infected, leading to problems chewing and pain for the patient.
• Crowding happens when an impacted tooth begins to erupt in a position that causes it to push other existing teeth aside. This may also occur if there isn’t enough room in the jawbone for the wisdom teeth, which is a common problem.
• Damage to adjacent teeth may occur when an impacted or infected tooth’s damage travels. If the impacted tooth is too close, damage to adjacent teeth is likely. 

Signs & Symptoms of Infected Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes, pain may not be the first sign of infection for wisdom teeth. You may notice redness, swelling, or bleeding gums in the back of your mouth before there is any pain. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to contact a dental professional as soon as possible to have this area of your gums assessed.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

You will need a surgical procedure to remove wisdom teeth. This isn’t the same as having other teeth pulled. Due to the nature of the extraction, how far down the roots go, and the impaction of the teeth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will have to cut into your gums and/or your jawbone to remove the wisdom teeth.

You will be given anesthetic options so you aren’t aware of the procedure as it is happening. Our staff is expertly trained in assisting with IV anesthesia options and will go over your options along with your medical history to make sure we find the best treatment for you.

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you will be prescribed medication for pain and given detailed instructions about aftercare and wisdom tooth surgery recovery.

Facts About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third permanent molars to erupt in an adult mouth. Did you know that these teeth are unique in many surprising ways?

1. Wisdom teeth gave us more chewing power in the days before industrialization. Modern foods and tools make it easier for us to chop up food and cook it, so wisdom teeth are no longer needed.
2. Almost everyone (roughly 90% of people in their late teens and early adult years) needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. It is common to schedule a pre-emptive surgery, so the patient never has to deal with impaction.
3. A small percentage of people are born without any wisdom teeth at all. It is estimated that 35% of people are born with this condition.
4. Wisdom teeth are so named for the age that most people see them erupt. These are the years when they become “wise” as adults.
5. Some people have wisdom teeth erupt and never even know. A very rare occurrence, these people often have previous extractions that make room for the third molars to erupt without issue.

Choose Esmail Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery

Esmail Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery has the experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment needed to make sure that your oral surgery procedures are completed with care and expertise. Dr. Nadeem Esmail is the only dual degree and board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Whatcom County area. No one else is better equipped to handle your oral surgery needs.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Today

Your oral surgery needs are important to us, and we understand that it can be daunting to figure out what those needs are for you. Call Esmail Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery at 360-318-7913 to schedule a consultation for wisdom teeth removal.