What is Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth? 

Chances are good that someone you know has had their wisdom teeth removed – maybe even recently. In most people, wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 and they are often removed shortly thereafter. It’s such a common procedure that many have come to the belief it is simply a part of life, but why exactly? Patients seeking wisdom teeth removal in Pasadena do so for a variety of reasons, but let’s start by understanding why wisdom teeth so often become a problem.


Why Wisdom Teeth Can Become Problematic

Though most people develop 32 permanent teeth in their lifetime, very few have mouths that can actually accommodate all of them safely and comfortably. The wisdom teeth are the last to grow in, erupting at the back of the mouth behind the second, or 12-year, molars. Often, by the time these final teeth come in, the mouth and jaw have grown in such a way as to not provide sufficient room for these large additional teeth.

When inadequate space prevents wisdom teeth from erupting into their proper position, they become impacted. Impacted teeth remain partially or entirely submerged in the gum tissue or bone beyond the normal period of eruption, necessitating wisdom teeth removal. Pasadena patients experiencing this common issue have come to trust Lytle, Tate & Stamper to safely remedy this issue and avoid further complications.


Problems Associated With Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When you first consider it, tooth impaction may not seem like such a big deal. Your tooth remains stuck in your gums a little – so what? Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is much less trivial. Impaction of wisdom teeth can cause a whole host of problems, including:

  • Persistent pain
  • Infection
  • Crowding of teeth
  • Damage to neighboring teeth
  • Damage to the jawbone caused by the formation of cysts
  • Inflamed gums

The longer impaction is allowed to exist, the more problems you are likely to develop. Prolonged severe impaction can even alter the entire profile of your bite, causing further issues. Thankfully for patients in Pasadena, wisdom teeth removal by Lytle, Tate & Stamper can prevent these issues from occurring.


The Importance of Timing

As in many dental procedures, with wisdom teeth removal, time is of the essence. The longer wisdom teeth are allowed to remain in the mouth, the deeper their roots grow and the denser your jawbone becomes. With most people’s wisdom teeth erupting between 17-21 years of age, the older you are when you have them removed, the more difficult it is likely to be. Additionally, after the age of 30, the occurrence of problems common to impacted teeth tend to increase in frequency.

For these reasons, most people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed in their teens or early twenties, when their root structure has yet to fully develop. If you’re experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth or worry that you may in the future, schedule an appointment with Lytle, Tate & Stamper today.

Looking for safe and efficient wisdom teeth removal in Pasadena? The surgeons at Lytle, Tate & Stamper are here to help. Call us at (626) 792-3161 today for an appointment!