Wisdom teeth can be the source of a lot of confusion, especially for young adults and students here in Provo. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or you’ve been told you need them removed, it’s natural to have questions. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the back corners of your mouth. Most people see their wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a period often called the “age of wisdom”—hence the name!
While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others aren’t so lucky. Wisdom teeth can often cause issues like pain, infections, or crowding. This is especially common if your jaw is too small to accommodate them. For us Provo residents with smaller jaws (a common occurrence), wisdom teeth may not have enough room to fit properly.
When this happens, your wisdom teeth may:
- Become misaligned and press against neighboring teeth.
- Partially erupt and leave openings for infections.
- Stay trapped below the gums (impacted), leading to swelling and pain.
Do Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction?
The short answer? It depends on your situation. Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but they often do if they pose a risk to your oral health. Here are some signs that your wisdom teeth may require extraction:
- Persistent pain or swelling in the back of your mouth.
- Difficulty opening your jaw or chewing comfortably.
- Recurring infections in the gum around your wisdom teeth.
- Concerns about crowding or damage to other teeth.
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we specialize in assessing the condition of your wisdom teeth to determine the best course of action for your unique needs.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
We know that the idea of having your wisdom teeth removed can feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Chris Hammond and the team in Provo take pride in creating a safe, relaxing environment for all of our patients.
If you’re nervous about pain or the procedure itself, we offer sedation dentistry to help you feel at ease. Sedation options allow you to relax throughout the procedure, ensuring the experience is as smooth as possible.
Take Control of Your Dental Health
If you’ve been asking yourself, “What’s wrong with my wisdom teeth?” or “Do I need them removed?”, it might be time to consider a consultation. Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to issues like infections, tooth damage, or prolonged discomfort. Luckily, the solution is just a call away.
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo provides expert wisdom teeth evaluation and extraction. We’re here to address your concerns, whether you’re dealing with pain, need guidance, or just want more information about keeping your smile healthy.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hammond, and take the first step toward pain-free confidence in your smile!
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
