cavities

The Mystery of the Wisdom Tooth

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

When it comes to teeth, everyone wants to have the brightest, the whitest, and the straightest teeth. Over time, people have developed all sorts of different ways to achieve these goals. White strips are common, braces have become invisible, and stain removal has practically illuminated the teeth to lamp standards. However, through all of this, one thing has remained relatively unchanged - the removal of the wisdom teeth.

The removal of wisdom tooth has always been considered by many as a rite of passage in the patient's dental timeline. The belief being that should the wisdom teeth be left in, they will create chaos in the mouth of the patient, ranging from tooth decay to crooked smiles. While the basis for these beliefs are sound, they are not always 100% accurate - so when do wisdom teeth need to come out?

Wisdom teeth warrant removal from the mouth when they fit into certain problem causing categories. The most glaring being the cases when wisdom teeth are "impacted." Impacted wisdom teeth are a result of the mouth not having enough room to accommodate the new tooth. The tooth can remain completely within the jaw bone - fully impacted - or they can wiggle their way up and expose bits of themselves to earn the classification of partially impacted. Fully impacted wisdom teeth are more risky to remove because of the potential damage to the nerves within the jaw, and even the best orthodontist will want to discuss the pros and cons of removing them. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are mostly always in need of removal, and can be removed with less risk of nerve damage due to their emergence and distance from the aforementioned nerves.

The next big reason for wisdom teeth removal is more apparent when it comes to partially impacted wisdom teeth - the difficulty of care involved. Partially impacted wisdom teeth provide hiding places for bits of debris to latch on and decay the tooth without the ability for traditional brushes and other tools to remove them. This leads to an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and infection. On top of this, since it is hard for the patient to reach the tooth to care for it, should anything happen to the tooth that needs attention, the tooth will be just as difficult to reach to solve the problem in the office as well.

With all of this in mind, it is important to consult an orthodontist about the removal of wisdom teeth. When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Matt Beecroft is widely considered one of the best orthodontists for the task. Our team at Beecroft Orthodontics can answer all of the questions needed to make a decision on the best course of action for the removal of wisdom teeth. Be sure to call us today!

Beecroft Orthodontics, 11113 Leavells Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Phone: 540-898-2200

The Mystery of the Wisdom Tooth

A Lesson in Sharing Smiles

Smile Quote No. 36: “For a moment at least, be a smile on someone else’s face.”- Dejan Stojanovic

"For a moment at least, be a smile on someone else's face." One of the best ways to do that is by perfecting one's own smile with the help of an orthodontist specialist. An orthodontist has received extensive education in teeth and jaw irregularities, such as crooked teeth, overbites and underbites. He or she will work with a team of assistants to give patients the complete oral care that they deserve.

What Are Common Types of Orthodontic Treatment?

The treatment that most people quickly associate with orthodontists is braces for kids. Although orthodontists most frequently work with children and teenagers to improve the alignment of their teeth, an increasing number of adults are also seeking orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists also use retainers either to move the teeth or to ensure that they stay in the correct location after they have been straightened. One popular type of clear plastic retainer is called Invisalign, which is a series of retainers that gradually move the teeth into the correct location. Of course, patients will still need to see their dentists for regular teeth cleanings even while undergoing treatment with an orthodontist.

What Are Some Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

The benefits of orthodontics are numerous and are unique to the individual. However, these are some of the most common advantages to straightening teeth and correcting other jaw problems. • The teeth are easier to clean. • Cavities are less likely to form. • It becomes easier to chew food. • The individual gains confidence with a beautiful smile. • Speech difficulties may decrease.

An orthodontist works with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that works well with the person’s needs and lifestyle. Orthodontic treatments can prevent costly problems in the future and can create a beautiful smile. For a trusted orthodontist, contact Beecroft Orthodontics today.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

A Lesson in Sharing Smiles