Avoid Future Dental Issues with Wisdom Teeth Extraction
At Four Corners Dental Group, Dr. Pete Higgins, DDS, and his team specialize in wisdom teeth extraction to help you avoid future dental issues. We prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the procedure, ensuring a smooth recovery. You can trust us to provide personalized care as per your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the process and schedule your appointment. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502.


Table of Contents:
How can I tell if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
What are the key benefits of early wisdom teeth extraction?
What happens if I delay wisdom teeth extraction?
Can impacted wisdom teeth cause future dental problems?
Wisdom teeth are known as third molars and are the last set of teeth to emerge. Most often, these teeth make their grand entrance in the late teens or early twenties. For some, they come in without issue, while for others, they can cause a host of dental problems. If aren’t sure whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth taken out, you’re not alone.
Whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed depends on a few factors, and the best way to find out is through regular dental checkups. After performing an X-ray to determine the position of your third molars, the dentist will evaluate your situation and determine if extraction is recommended. Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any obvious symptoms, they could be growing at an angle or getting stuck beneath the gums, which can lead to major problems down the line.
There are various advantages to having your wisdom teeth removed before they start causing any discomfort, including:
● Easier recovery: Recovery from wisdom teeth removal surgery is easier and quicker for younger patients, as their bodies heal faster. Early removal means less complicated surgery, reduced recovery time, and fewer risks of complications like infections or prolonged swelling.
● Prevention of crowding or misalignment: Removing wisdom teeth before they fully erupt may be recommended to prevent them from pushing against your other teeth. In cases where wisdom teeth are removed too late, there is a high risk of misalignment or crowding that requires orthodontic treatment.
● Reduced risk of infection or decay: Due to their location in the mouth, wisdom teeth are tough to clean properly. By having them removed early, you can prevent infections, decay, gum disease, or cysts from developing around these hard-to-reach teeth.
The ideal timing for wisdom teeth removal surgery varies from person to person. A consultation appointment is necessary to determine the best time for you to schedule this procedure.
If you delay the removal of problematic wisdom teeth, you increase your risk of developing various complications, many of which become harder to treat as time goes on. If your wisdom teeth are already causing pain, delaying the procedure will likely make the discomfort worse as the teeth continue to push against your gums and other teeth.
It’s common for third molars to come in at an angle and push against neighboring teeth. Not only does this have the potential to inflict damage to the roots of the teeth, but this damage is often painful and expensive to correct.
The longer you wait, the more challenging wisdom teeth removal can become, especially as the roots of the third molars continue to develop and grow deeper into the jawbone. Due to these reasons, it’s a wise idea to visit the dentist to discuss your options for wisdom teeth removal before pain and other symptoms arise.
If they are left without proper treatment, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to several complications, such as:
● Gum disease: Because impacted wisdom teeth are extremely hard to clean, they are prone to infections and gum disease (periodontitis).
● Shifting of teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can affect your bite significantly, resulting in the need for orthodontic work later on.
● Decay: Since they are hard to clean, wisdom teeth are highly susceptible to cavities. In addition, decay in wisdom teeth often spreads to neighboring teeth if not treated.
● Cysts and jaw damage: In some cases, untreated wisdom teeth can result in cysts forming around them. If left untreated, these cysts can hollow out parts of the jawbone and damage surrounding tissues.
The best way to prevent future dental issues related to impacted wisdom teeth is through regular checkups with your dentist. If you’re wondering if it’s time to explore wisdom teeth extraction, contact us and book your appointment now. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502. We serve patients from Anchorage AK, Basher AK, Campbell AK, Spenard AK, Midtown AK, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ General Dentistry
▸ Oral Sedation
▸ Invisalign Dentist
▸ Dental Implants
▸ Dental Bridges
▸ Dental Cleaning
▸ Dental Fillings
▸ Dental Crowns
▸ Dental Sealants
▸ Dentures & Repair
▸ Emergency Dentistry
▸ Mouthguards
▸ Preventive Dentistry
▸ Restorative Dentistry
▸ Root Canals
▸ Teeth Whitening
▸ Veneers
▸ Wisdom Tooth Removal