By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth – 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Understanding the Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Chattanooga, TN
Choosing to undergo wisdom teeth removal in Chattanooga, TN is a decision that can protect your long-term oral health and comfort. At Implant & Oral Surgery Center of Chattanooga, Drs. Childress and Johnson evaluate each patient carefully to determine the best course of action based on age, oral development, and specific tooth alignment.
Many patients wonder whether wisdom teeth always require removal. But in order to know that, we need to consider how the teeth are developing and how much room is in the mouth. In some cases, the wisdom teeth erupt as they ought to and don’t cause any short term risk. However, more often, these third molars become impacted. That means they are partially or fully trapped in the jawbone or under the gums. Left untreated, this condition can cause chronic discomfort, crowding, or serious infections.
If you’re experiencing swelling, jaw stiffness, or repeated gum issues near the back of your mouth, you may benefit from wisdom teeth removal in Chattanooga, TN. Prompt care reduces the chance of more complex surgical intervention later. Delaying extraction increases the risk of root formation, lost bone mass, or even damage to the nearby teeth.
Drs. Childress and Johnson bring years of surgical expertise to every procedure. Their years of training, along with deep oral anatomy and anesthesia knowledge, gives you a smoother, safer experience. Whether you’re a teenager with erupting wisdom teeth or an adult who has delayed removal, the team will walk you through every step of the process with clear explanations and compassion.
Our clinic is committed to ensuring wisdom teeth removal in Chattanooga, TN is not only clinically successful but also handled with personal attention. We prioritize your comfort, your recovery, and your peace of mind.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Childress and Johnson can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Childress and Johnson have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Childress and Johnson can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Childress and Johnson have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.