Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars on either side of your mouth. There are four wisdom teeth and they are usually the last teeth to come in, often when the patient is in their teens or twenties. Our mouths can only comfortably hold 28 teeth and when the wisdom teeth arrive, they make for a total of 32 teeth and will often crowd the mouths and present other problems.

When wisdom teeth have trouble making space for themselves, they can grow at awkward angles, only partially emerge or get trapped under the gum. This can increase the likelihood of infections and be incredibly painful for the individual. Wisdom teeth can also be a breeding ground for cavities and infections because they can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush, as they are all the way in the back of the mouth. The most serious consequence of wisdom teeth is when tumors or cysts form and can cause loss of bone in the jaw. These reasons are why most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent further problems or complications.

The dentists a Lynnwood Dental Excellence Center will examine your wisdom teeth and take x-rays to determine their placement and impact on the rest of the teeth. It is preferable to assess wisdom teeth and remove them during the late teens or early 20s before they can cause further problems.

If Dr. Michael Yeh, Dr. Trisha Le and associates determine that the wisdom teeth do need to be removed, a separate appointment will be scheduled. During this appointment, you will receive some type of anesthesia to alleviate pain while the dentist removes the wisdom teeth. The dentists at Lynnwood Dental Excellence Center are licensed and experienced with providing anesthesia and do so in an extremely safe and highly monitored environment.

After the teeth have been removed, there may be a bit of blood and you will be provided with pain medication and required to rest as the anesthesia wears off. A follow up appointment will be scheduled to remove stitches and assess the healing process.