Most teens end up needing wisdom teeth removal. Sometimes, the third molars erupt without a hitch — and if that’s the case for your teen, extraction may not be necessary. That said, wisdom tooth problems are quite common, and most people eventually need them removed.

Experienced oral surgeons advise parents to watch for key warning signs that indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal. If your child has any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.

Persistent Pain

Wisdom tooth pain almost always points to a problem. The act of the teeth pushing through the gums could be to blame, but if the pain persists or radiates beyond the third molar area, your teen’s wisdom teeth could be impacted or growing in at an awkward angle.

Tooth Sensitivity

In the early stages of development, cavities in the wisdom teeth may not cause pain. However, worsening tooth decay can lead to tooth sensitivity. If your child cannot eat or drink anything hot, cold or sweet without discomfort, the issue could be the result of a cavity beginning to form.

Swollen Gums

Inflammation in the gums, sometimes accompanied by redness and bleeding, can be a warning sign of wisdom tooth problems. Often, swelling results from infection or gum disease — and both issues may require wisdom teeth removal to fully resolve.

Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath can be due to health issues, medication or your teen’s lack of commitment to oral hygiene. However, like swollen gums, it could also can be a symptom of gum disease or wisdom tooth infection.

Sinus Problems

If your child has recurring sinus pain and nasal congestion, you might not think wisdom tooth problems are the cause. However, this could be the case if the angle of growth results in the third molars pressing against the sinuses.

Does Your Teen Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If your teen’s wisdom teeth are causing noticeable symptoms, schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. But what if your child doesn’t seem to be having any issues?

Oral surgeons recommend scheduling a proactive evaluation to determine the potential for wisdom tooth problems. Age is a consideration, as wisdom teeth removal is easier and has a lower risk of complications when only two-thirds of the third molar roots have developed. That usually occurs by age 18, so it’s in your teen’s best interest to schedule an oral surgeon consultation sooner rather than later.

For expert care in the greater east central Indiana area, make an appointment at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman, our board-certified oral surgeons, specialize in wisdom tooth extraction and have extensive experience completing both simple and complex procedures.

Your teen will be in good hands with the Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team. Contact us and schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation today.

Dental implants are a great option for denture wearers. If you’re not happy with your artificial teeth, implant-supported dentures may be the ideal solution.

When an oral surgeon stabilizes your partial or complete dentures with implants, your problems with the fit and function of your replacement teeth will come to an end. With implant-supported dentures, you’ll have a beautiful, secure smile that lasts a lifetime.

Stabilizing Loose Dentures with Dental Implants

Dentures often fit well right after they’re made, but become looser as time goes on. This is due to bone loss in the jaw, which happens when replacement teeth aren’t rooted in the jawbone.

Implants stabilize loose dentures by supporting them with titanium posts. These posts, which are surgically embedded within the jawbone, securely anchor the teeth in place. Implant-supported dentures may be removable or permanently fixed in the mouth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional replacement teeth. Make the switch to implant-supported dentures, and you can count on:

• Security — Your replacement teeth will never slip out of place or fall out of your mouth.
• Comfort — Your dentures will feel natural, just like real teeth.
• Contentment — You can eat anything you like; no foods will be off-limits.
• Beauty — Your implants will stimulate bone tissue growth in the jaw, so your face won’t look sunken or aged as it would after years of wearing traditional dentures.
• Longevity — You won’t have to worry about replacing or adjusting your replacement teeth, as implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

Implant-Supported Dentures Are Cost-Effective

Compare prices and you’ll see that relining your dentures is cheaper than stabilizing them with implants. However, when you consider the bigger picture, going the latter route is a smarter financial move.

Traditional dentures often need to be relined every few years, and the average life span of a partial or complete denture is about five to 10 years. After that, a new set of replacement teeth is necessary.

Over time, these expenses can add up to more than the cost of getting implants. Since implants are a one-time investment that requires no more ongoing care than natural teeth, they’re cheaper in the long run.

Should you stabilize your dentures with dental implants? For expert advice in the greater east central Indiana area, turn to the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

As specialists in replacement teeth and implant surgery with over a decade of experience, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman can explain your options to you and help you decide if implant-supported dentures are right for you. Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and schedule a consultation to discuss dental implants today.