Wisdom Teeth Removal: Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease

Did you know that keeping your wisdom teeth could increase your risk for common oral diseases – especially gum disease? Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious threat to your oral health. When this condition goes untreated, it can progress into a very destructive disease that can cause tooth loss and a chronic infection that destroys the gingiva. Since gum disease is such a threat to people’s health and wellbeing, our oral surgeon removes wisdom teeth as a preventive measure.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth Eruption

Wisdom teeth are third molars that come through the bone and gums later in life, years after the rest of adult teeth erupt in childhood. Since these teeth come through later on, they do not have enough room to come out fully. The crowded situation in the mouth means that most wisdom teeth become impacted (stuck in the gums). Impacted teeth and crowding can lead to a variety of oral health and quality of life issues including periodontal disease.

How Wisdom Teeth Affect the Gums

Impacted teeth are very prone to developing infections and commonly inflame the gingiva above them. Moreover, impacted teeth can partially erupt. A partially erupted tooth has some of its crown exposed while the rest of the tooth lies just under the gums. Leftover food particles and bacteria can collect adjacent to the exposed part of the tooth under the gums. Over time, debris and bacteria will inflame and irritate the gums because removing it is next to impossible with brushing and flossing. Inflamed and irritated gums can become infected, leading to periodontal disease.

What to Expect with Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After consulting with our oral surgeon, you will be scheduled for your procedure. Before you procedure, you will be given pre-operative and post-operative instructions to help you prepare for treatment and your recovery. During your procedure, you will receive pain relieving and sedating medication so that you have a comfortable and positive experience. This is a minimally invasive, same-day, and outpatient procedure.

For more information, call our team today to reserve a consultation!