General dentistry
Oral Surgery in Sarasota
Wisdom teeth, and what happens when they come in at an angle or do not fully come in at all.
- Covers
- Wisdom teeth
- Third molars
- Last teeth to erupt
- Healthy ones
- Can be left alone
- Surgical cases
- Referred to an oral surgeon
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and they are typically the last teeth to arrive. Healthy ones can be useful and there is no reason to remove a wisdom tooth that is doing no harm.
When they do cause harm
A wisdom tooth that is impacted, or that pushes only part way through the gum at an angle, causes swelling, pain and infection in the gum around it. It also presses on the tooth next to it, and that pressure can permanently damage an otherwise healthy tooth and the bone supporting it. Left long enough, impacted teeth can form cysts, and in the worst cases tumors capable of destroying a section of the jaw.
The case that surprises people
Sometimes the wisdom tooth is perfectly healthy and still has to go, because orthodontic treatment needs the space it is occupying.
Where this practice sends you
Surgical extraction is an oral surgeon’s daily work. If your case belongs with one, you will be told so and referred.
The teeth in question
Third molars, last to arrive
Your third molars, better known as wisdom teeth, are typically the last teeth to erupt. Healthy, functional wisdom teeth can be useful and there is no reason to remove them for the sake of it.
Took me immediately in an emergency and did an amazing job. Wonderful dentist and friendly staff.
When they cause trouble
Impacted and partially erupted
A wisdom tooth can become impacted, or push only part way through the gum at an angle. That is when the problems start, and they are not confined to the tooth itself.
- Swelling, pain and infection of the surrounding gum
- Pressure on the next tooth along, which can permanently damage a healthy tooth and the bone around it
- Cysts, and in the worst cases tumors that can destroy a section of the jaw
Friendly, expert dental care. Sarasota Smile Design went out of their way to help me with a broken crown. A temporary crown was replace in hours...and I just walked in without an appointment. Wow. Hats off to Sarasota Smile Design with superior customer care!
The other reason
Removal for orthodontic reasons
Sometimes wisdom teeth are perfectly healthy and still need to come out, because orthodontic treatment needs the room.
Sarasota Smile Design is my go-to for all dentistry. They are so friendly and professional and do excellent work. Jenifer and staff all work well together to keep me healthy, safe and in good shape. I'll never forget her taking me in for a very painful emergency years ago. I recommend this practice to everyone!
Who does the work
When this goes to a specialist
Surgical extractions are an oral surgeon’s specialty. Where your case is better handled by one you will be told so and referred.
We traveled back 1500 miles 6 times last year three (4500 miles) were for dental medical emergencies to see Dr Bach and her outstanding staff. The minute you open the door to the inviting, tasteful ,clean, peaceful establishment , with it's warm reception, professional, compassionate and extremely well run,highly trained , talented team of true artists you feel as comfortable as possible under the essential oil scented blanket and circumstances. Additionally they responded on weekends and holidays and assisted with insurance companies. I highly recommend you give Sarasota Smile Design a try especially if you're in the Sarasota Area.
Answers
Oral Surgery: questions patients ask
Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
No. If they are healthy and functional they can be useful and are best left alone. Removal is for teeth causing trouble, or for teeth in the way of orthodontic treatment.
What does impacted mean?
The tooth cannot erupt properly. It stays under the gum, or pushes only part way through at an angle.
Why does an impacted wisdom tooth matter?
It can cause swelling, pain and infection in the gum around it, and it can press on the next tooth hard enough to permanently damage that tooth and the bone around it. In the worst cases cysts or tumors form.
Can a healthy wisdom tooth still need removing?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment sometimes needs the space, even when the tooth itself is fine.
Related care
3800 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233
Ask about oral surgery.
Open Monday to Thursday, 8:00a to 4:00p. Call (941) 927-5411. Financing through CareCredit.