Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
A common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impaction, when they cannot fully erupt. A partially erupted wisdom tooth leaves a loose flap of gum tissue right over the crown. Food debris and bacteria easily slip beneath the flap, which can cause a gum infection or jaw stiffness.
Additionally, sideways molars press directly against the roots of your healthy second molars, which can cause decay or overcrowding. Removal can alleviate or prevent these issues.
Warning Signs You Need a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation
Problems build up slowly long before severe pain starts. Watch for these common signs across your back jaw:
- Throbbing aches or pressure in the back corners of your mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums behind your last visible molars
- Stiffness when opening your mouth wide or trouble chewing comfortably
- Sinus pressure, congestion, or persistent pain in your upper jaw
- Unpleasant tastes or chronic bad breath coming from the back teeth
What to Expect During Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Here is what to expect during a wisdom tooth extraction in Burke:
- Advanced Treatment Planning: We begin with 3D Cone Beam CT imaging in our Burke office. The detailed scans map out exact root shapes and show precisely where nerves run through your jawbone.
- Numbing and Comfort: Dr. Karapetian applies deep local numbing, so you’ll only feel pressure during the removal. For patients who feel anxious about extractions, we can consider sedation options.
- Tooth Extraction: Dr. Karapetian gently opens the gum tissue and eases the molar out. If the tooth has not yet erupted, she divides it into small, manageable sections for safe removal.
- Cleaning and Closing: The dentist cleans and disinfects the site before sealing it with dissolvable sutures.
Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Consultation in Burke, VA.
As a Board-Certified Periodontist, Dr. Christine Karapetian specializes in complex oral surgical procedures and bone preservation. We provide personalized surgical care designed for quick recovery.
Call Washington Periodontics at (571) 569-7540 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Karapetian and find out if wisdom tooth extraction is right for your smile.
