For years, having wisdom teeth taken out has been a rite of passage for many young adults. It’s almost as if the arrival of these third molars signals the need for an inevitable dental procedure. But is your wisdom teeth removal in Missouri City truly necessary?
Lake Olympia Dental dives into whether this procedure is a foregone conclusion. Learn how we decide to extract wisdom teeth and how we work with you to make the best decision in your case.
Why Wisdom Teeth Extraction Is Common
Wisdom teeth, a.k.a. your pesky third molars, usually pop up during late adolescence or early adulthood. For a long time, dentists have leaned toward removing them, sometimes even before problems arise. This tactic was to completely avoid common issues like:
- Crowding
- Misalignment
- Infections
- Decay
- Tooth Damage
Not only are many people’s mouths not big enough to accommodate wisdom teeth when they come in, but the molars’ location at the back of the mouth can make them hard to keep clean. Wisdom tooth pain is also no joke, and we would prefer to spare you any discomfort if possible.
When We Might Avoid Wisdom Teeth Removal in Missouri City
As dental practices evolve, so does our view on whether tooth extraction is always necessary. Recent conversations suggest that the old “remove them all” approach isn’t the only option anymore. We might leave your wisdom teeth alone if they are:
- Healthy
- Emerging Correctly
- Properly Aligned
This encourages a more case-by-case approach tailored to each person’s own dental health. Our oral surgeon can instead monitor your wisdom teeth as you grow. With advanced scanning technology, we can get an idea of where your teeth are headed. Then, if necessary, we can act to remove them.
Other Factors to Consider Before Extraction
At Lake Olympia Dental, we believe you should always know all your options before any procedure, including our Missouri City wisdom teeth removal. Age plays a big role—younger patients usually bounce back quicker from surgery, and complications are less common. Your individual dental health is crucial, too—if you have a history of dental issues, you could be more susceptible to complications from wisdom teeth.
On the flip side, if your gums and teeth are in great shape, you might not need to worry about removal at all. Keep in mind, though, that holding onto wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, and even damage to nearby teeth. Making the right choice based on what we see in our diagnostic scans can save you from future headaches.
Helping You Decide to Remove or Not Remove
Informed consent and shared decision-making can turn this process into an empowering experience. It starts with open conversations between you and our dentist, where we can delve into the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure together.
By getting the full picture, you can make choices that truly reflect your preferences and health goals. This approach not only honors your autonomy but also builds a trusting relationship with our team.
Modern Missouri City Wisdom Tooth Removal Management
Something we’re proud of at Lake Olympia Dental is our commitment to constantly evolve our care to better cater to you. You can trust that our Missouri City wisdom teeth removal is only ever done when it’s in your best interest and when you feel confident it’s right for you. Book a wisdom tooth evaluation today to learn how your third molars are emerging and if you should plan for extraction. We’ll make the choice together.
