If you or your child needs to have wisdom teeth removed in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help. Most adults develop four — one in each corner of the mouth behind the second molars. Unfortunately, there is not usually enough room for these extra molars to grow in without causing problems. Removing these molars early can help prevent infections, dental shifting, cysts, and even tumors.
These molars (the third and final set) are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. They usually grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. When there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth to grow in, they tend to grow in sideways. This angled growth can lead to a collision with your second molars, damaging your existing healthy teeth. This molars also tend to become impacted (partially trapped beneath the gums), which creates a space for bacteria and germs to hide and cause infections. Most dental professionals recommend having regular checkups to track the location of your wisdom teeth and prevent these problems.
Why have wisdom teeth removed?
If your teeth grow in without causing problems, they will not need to be removed, but in most cases, removing them prevents oral and dental health problems.
Early wisdom teeth removal can prevent the following issues:
- Force misdirection and crowding of healthy teeth
- Infections of the gum and bone tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth
- Impacted teeth damaging adjacent molars
- Swelling, stiffness, and pain caused by gum disease
- Development of cysts and tumors in the bone around infected teeth
Some of these problems can cause serious bone damage if not treated quickly. Having the molars evaluated regularly can help prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort for you or your child.
When is the best time for wisdom teeth extraction?
The right age for removal can differ for every patient. Since the teeth start developing beneath the gums long before they grow in, it’s hard to know if they are growing in correctly before it’s too late. Having regular dental checkups once every six months is the best way to know when removal is necessary. In general, early removal (between ages 14 and 20) can make the entire process easier for the following reasons:
- Wisdom teeth are smaller at earlier stages, making removal and recovery easier.
- Removing the teeth before problems arise prevents pain and discomfort later.
- Younger patients have better healing capabilities, which leads to faster recovery times.
Even if your teeth have fully grown in, removal is almost always possible when you go to a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our oral surgeons have years of experience removing wisdom teeth efficiently and safely.
Wisdom Teeth Removals in Los Angeles, CA
At Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we use the most advanced tools, 3D imaging technology, and minimally invasive surgical techniques to make sure you get the best results possible from treatment. If you need a wisdom teeth removal and you live near Los Angeles, CA, contact our office today. Our staff will be happy to help you schedule an appointment with one of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons.