Many people with wisdom teeth develop four of them, one in each corner of the mouth. Some people develop less than four, others develop more than four, and some people never develop any. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear. Most people develop wisdom teeth during the mid or late teenage years, although some develop them during their twenties.
Whether you have one or more wisdom teeth, dental professionals recommend having them extracted as soon as possible. Wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems because the average mouth does not have enough room for an additional set of molars.
If wisdom teeth are left in the mouth, they can cause issues such as:
Having wisdom teeth taken out is a common procedure that Dr. Ioppolo regularly performs in our office. We will make sure you and your family feel comfortable while in our care.
Wisdom teeth removal is an oral surgery procedure, and it’s important to see the right professional when it comes to any type of surgery. Oral surgeons are the most qualified dental specialists to perform wisdom tooth extractions.
While all oral surgeons are dentists, not all dentists are oral surgeons. Both specialists must earn a dental degree, but oral surgeons must complete an additional 4–6 years of training. This time, known as a residency, provides hands-on experience and trains the surgeon to perform various procedures, including jaw surgery, dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, and more.
Some general dentists perform wisdom tooth extractions in their office. In some cases, a wisdom tooth is fully erupted through the gums and can be pulled out without requiring surgery, similar to a simple tooth extraction. Some dentists perform these types of tooth extractions using a local anesthetic, although oral surgeons can also perform these extractions. When a patient has multiple teeth that need to be extracted, any impacted teeth, or requires more advanced anesthesia or sedation beyond a local anesthetic, the patient should see an oral surgeon.
Dr. Ioppolo is a board-certified oral surgeon who performs wisdom teeth removal in Lubbock, TX. If you or your child suspect the presence of wisdom teeth or have been referred to an oral surgeon by your general dentist, we invite you to contact Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock. Dr. Ioppolo will examine your needs and create a unique treatment plan just for you.
