Wisdom Tooth Dentist in Los Angeles, CA

Wisdom teeth are the teeth at the back of the mouth that come in last. They are the last of the molars and got their name because, by the time they come into the mouth, a person is considered to have some “wisdom”. They normally show up in the late teens to early twenties. There are, however, some people who never get wisdom teeth. Some people will have no problems with these teeth.

Wisdom teeth are known to cause problems, especially when they become impacted. When the mouth is too small for the wisdom teeth to come in properly, they can become impacted. Wisdom teeth that come in partially or not at all cause problems, as well.

Impacted wisdom teeth can:

• Grow toward the back of the mouth
• Grow in toward the next tooth
• Grow at an angle to the other teeth
• Remain trapped within the jawbone

If the wisdom teeth that are coming are causing problems they will need to be removed. These problems indicate that they may need to be removed:

• Infection or gum disease
• Pain
• Trapping of debris and food that can cause infection
• Damage to adjacent tooth or jawbone
• Tooth decay happens easily with partially erupted teeth
• Development of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) around the tooth or teeth
• Complications with orthodontic treatments

X-rays are the most common tool for checking on wisdom teeth. X-rays will start being done around the age of 14 or 15 to check on the development of the teeth. The x-rays will be used to check that the wisdom teeth are properly aligned, or whether they are not coming in properly. The x-rays can also be used to give an indication of when the teeth will break through the gums. If they are not progressing in the proper fashion, you may need to see an oral surgeon.

If it appears that the teeth will cause problems as they come in your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend that they be removed. This will prevent the need for complicated and painful tooth removal in the future. Removing them early is easier because the roots will not be fully developed.

The most common age people get their wisdom teeth is between the ages of 17 and 25.

There may be no indication that the wisdom teeth need to be removed. It will depend on what the dentist or oral surgeon determines from the x-rays. If there is identifiable misalignment or other issues present, removal will be recommended.

The incoming wisdom teeth may cause swelling of the gums before they emerge. When this happens a flap of skin may form around the tooth that allows for food and bacteria to be trapped in. The area can become inflamed. It is possible for this to happen before the teeth emerge, as well.

Jaw stiffness or pain can also be a sign of a problem. The teeth can push against the jawbone or the other teeth causing pain. This will create a feeling of stiffness when you open your mouth.

Sinus issues are also a possibility. This happens when the top wisdom teeth put pressure on the sinuses which can cause headaches, congestion, and pain.

Bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in the mouth are also signs the wisdom teeth are starting to emerge.

Wisdom teeth removal is often covered by insurance. However, out-of-pocket costs in the Miami area are $230-$340.

Le Chic Dentist is always up to date on the latest research and methods in dentistry. Our trained dentists and dental staff will provide great dental care. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Santa Monica CA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, El Segundo CA, and BEYOND!