Wisdom Teeth

Many teens and adults that have developed a full set of permanent teeth may be unaware that they have an additional set of teeth growing under the surface of their gums that can cause significant problems. This third set of molars, better known as wisdom teeth, are often undetectable without regular dental examinations — that is, until they become a problem. Wisdom teeth often grow beneath the surface of the gums, and the mouth must be X-rayed to determine if they are present. Sometimes, the teeth will partially emerge from the gums but not grow in completely.

While wisdom teeth can provide added value by increasing chewing and grinding power, they often do not grow into the mouth in a way that allows patients to experience their benefit. Many people do not have enough room in their mouth and along their jaw bone for these teeth to grow in properly, thereby causing problems for the rest of the teeth.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Patients with wisdom teeth are more susceptible to other oral problems, including

• Misalignment of healthy teeth
• Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and pain in the mouth — even bad breath — caused by periodontal disease
• Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development, which can in turn cause issues with healthy teeth and the jaw bone
• Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay

At Gainesville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed early, preferably during the mid- to late teens, even if they haven’t begun to emerge from the gums yet. Since the roots of these teeth have not fully developed, the extraction process is usually much more rapid if they are removed early. Younger patients are also more likely to experience a faster recovery after surgery.

Before wisdom teeth removal, you will receive a thorough oral examination, including X-rays, to determine the position and size of the teeth. Dr. Simonton has been comprehensively trained to administer anesthesia, and our office offers multiple options for sedation, including local anesthesia (an anesthetic applied directly to the area of removal).

Our skilled surgeon and highly trained office staff will answer any questions you may have before your procedure to ensure that you are fully informed, and they will help you chose the method of anesthesia that is best for you. At Gainesville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we do everything in our power to make certain that you have a comfortable and rapid recovery following your surgery and achieve the optimum result.

Where can I get wisdom teeth extracted near Gainesville, GA?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Fred Simonton, is a specialist in providing solutions for the treatment of complex oral and dental health problems, including the removal of wisdom teeth. With two office locations in Gainesville and Watkinsville, GA, Dr. Simonton and his staff serve a wide region, including cities in Georgia as well as South Carolina and Carolina.

To request a consultation and learn more about how we can help improve your smile, please request an appointment now.