To some, wisdom teeth removal seems like a normal rite of passage that doesn’t require a second thought. To others, it can seem like a nerve-wracking, emergency procedure given that it involves oral surgery. The truth is a little bit more complicated.
The Purpose of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal isn’t always necessary. Some people are lucky to have healthy wisdom teeth that grow exactly as they should. Many other people, however, don’t have things as easy. Sometimes wisdom teeth get stuck while trying to erupt. This increases chances of infection. Wisdom teeth can also come in at an angle that threatens to damage nearby teeth. In these cases, wisdom teeth removal is recommended.
Emergency or No Emergency
Whether or not wisdom teeth removal counts as an emergency depends on the status and position of your wisdom teeth. Yes, the procedure can be considered a dental emergency if your wisdom teeth are causing severe pain and may lead to an infection that can spread. Generally however, our team can track the growth or position of your wisdom teeth at your regular preventive care visits. If it appears that they will not emerge properly, the timing of the removal of your wisdom teeth can be planned before you experience any problems and before there’s an urgent concern.
Emergency Dental Extractions
It’s not just wisdom teeth that may require an emergency extraction. If you have a severe dental abscess or infection in another tooth, the story is the same. After all other treatment options have been considered like root canal therapy, it may be crucial to remove a severely damaged permanent tooth before the infection spreads throughout the mouth and the rest of the body.
Oral Surgery in Raleigh, NC
If you’re dealing with pain caused by wisdom teeth or you think you may have a dental emergency, don’t wait to contact us. Often regular preventive care visits can save you both time and money because our team can catch problems before they become dental emergencies. Northside Dental in Raleigh, NC is here for all of your smile needs. Call our office directly if you need urgent care. Otherwise, you can call or send us a message through our contact form in order to set up your next visit.