Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early adulthood, have become something of a mystery for many people. While some breeze through life without any issues, others face the challenge of overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth. If you fall into the latter category, you may be wondering whether it’s time to consider removal. At Mason Dental in Grapevine, TX, serving patients in Southlake, Colleyville, and beyond, Dr. Scott Mason and Dr. David White are here to guide you through the process.
Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth?
Evolutionarily speaking, wisdom teeth were helpful for our ancient ancestors who needed the extra molars to grind tough foods and coarse plants. Over time, as our diets changed and our jaws became smaller, these teeth became less essential. Today, they can often cause more problems than they’re worth.
Why Might Wisdom Teeth Need Removal?
For many individuals, wisdom teeth are removed to avoid potential complications. Here are two common reasons why removal is necessary:
- Overcrowding
Most people simply don’t have enough room in their jaws to accommodate a third set of molars. When wisdom teeth erupt, they can push against existing teeth, potentially leading to alignment issues.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they are unable to fully emerge from the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, and even infection. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to nearby teeth or lead to cysts.
Impacted wisdom teeth are divided into two types:
- Partially Impacted: When a portion of the tooth is visible above the gumline, but it cannot fully erupt.
- Fully Impacted: When the tooth is trapped beneath the gums and may even grow at an angle, disrupting nearby structures.
Dr. Mason and Dr. White specialize in identifying these issues early and determining the best course of action for proactive care.
Stress-Free Removal with Sedation Options
For anyone nervous about dental procedures, wisdom tooth removal may feel overwhelming. Thankfully, at Mason Dental, we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Our team will walk you through what to expect during the procedure and help you select the type of sedation that best suits your needs. Whether you choose mild sedation or something deeper, your comfort and safety are always our top priorities.
Time to Take Action
If you’re asking, “What’s the deal with my wisdom teeth?”, it’s probably time for a consultation. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or just want to stay ahead of potential problems, Dr. Scott Mason and Dr. David White are here to help. At Mason Dental, we’ve made the process straightforward and stress-free for patients in Grapevine, Southlake, Colleyville, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthy, pain-free smile!
Contact Mason Dental
817-481-4717
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
801 W Wall St
Grapevine, Texas
76051