Wisdom Tooth Extraction

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Overview

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Denver, CO

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. By age 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) help grind food into a consistency suitable for swallowing. If you have too many teeth, it can throw this functionality off balance. It also can be plain painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four extra teeth are your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, we don’t typically recommend removing wisdom teeth. But usually, this is not the case when they erupt. 

Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Covered or impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. 

The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. When they partially erupt, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection—the result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. 

The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early wisdom tooth removal in Denver is recommended to avoid problems and decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

The First Step is an Oral Examination

Patients are generally first evaluated by their dentist, orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in their mid-teenage years.

With an Aspen Dental oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Rossow, Dr. Noce, and Dr. Neal can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. 

We’ll discuss the procedure and options with you to ensure you and your child understand the options and that we answer any of your questions.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

We provide a comfortable, safe environment with modern monitoring equipment and highly-experienced staff. When removing wisdom teeth, we administer appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. In most cases, we perform wisdom teeth removal while the patient is under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or general anesthesia to help maximize comfort. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. 

To help control bleeding, we may have you bite down on a gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. 

  • Postoperative instructions.
  • A prescription for pain medication.
  • Antibiotics if necessary.
  • A follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal.

If you have any questions about your wisdom tooth removal options in Denver, Colorado, please do not hesitate to call us at 720-438-4208.

Contact Us Today to Get Started

If you’re interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the best ways to ensure long-term dental health.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

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