Wisdom Teeth Removal, Extraction, Impaction
Our jaws aren't constructed to accommodate wisdom teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth often remain encased in gum or bone tissue, so they are referred to as impacted teeth, but they continuously attempt to erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth pain, pressure, jaw pain and tooth infection. However, in most cases, patients experience no outward symptoms with their wisdom teeth -- so patients are often unaware of the damage and major issues that wisdom teeth cause if they are not removed and falsely think that nothing is wrong. Unknowingly to patients, un-erupted or partially erupted wisdom teeth cause decay, resorption, and injury to adjacent teeth. Additionally, aggressive cysts may also form around an impacted wisdom tooth and put the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth at risk for severe damage. When wisdom teeth do erupt, they often crowd existing teeth, increasing your likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum disease with the rest of your teeth.
Take a proactive approach - Many times, significant damage has occurred before a patient experiences pain and becomes aware that a problem exists with one or more impacted or erupted wisdom teeth. At this stage, treatment can be more difficult and time-consuming to implement and a patient can also have a more difficult recovery. Many decades of medical and dental research has demonstrated how harmful keeping your wisdom teeth can be to both your dental health and your overall systemic health as well. As a proponent of conservative dentistry, Dr. Koos believes in proactively assessing wisdom tooth development and safely preventing problems before they start.
Advanced technology, including i-CAT 3D imaging, enables Dr. Koos to determine precise wisdom tooth development and location and treatment plan the most accurate surgery available. He can assess whether a wisdom tooth is impacted and trace the potential path of eruption. In Dr. Koos' vast experience, he has determined that removal of wisdom teeth is often the most beneficial option to ensure long-term oral health and comfort.