Dentistry by Shane Nelson DDS, has never “rested on its laurels.” Our “fearless leader,” Dr. Nelson, sets the tone. We are always seeking out and acquiring new skills, technologies, and knowledge about the “latest and safest” techniques that modern dentistry has to offer. Due to our extensive on-site capabilities, many oral surgeries and complex procedures can be performed in-house at our practice in Overland Park, Kansas – by the team you know and trust. 

These surgical capabilities include monitoring and treating wisdom teeth. We don’t automatically treat these teeth; we start by monitoring how these “third molars” are developing in the mouth. This is an important consideration. Why? Well, for starters, not everyone develops wisdom teeth.

Furthermore, not everyone has problems with their wisdom teeth. Now, problems are common enough that wisdom teeth have a reputation of sorts. The complications associated with third molars are rooted in the way these back-most teeth develop. 

As the last teeth to erupt through the gums, wisdom teeth do not attempt to “show up” until most people are aged 17 to early 20s, hence their nickname, as this is largely the transition period from childhood to adulthood. By this timeframe, many of the patients we see do not have enough space left in their mature mouths to accommodate these molars. With insufficient room to break through, third molars grow in at an angle. Additionally, they can become “impacted” or trapped in the jawbone. Many distressing symptoms often accompany this complication. They include: 

• Gums that are tender to the touch. 
• Gingival bleeding. 
• Halitosis.
• A nasty taste in the mouth.
• Jaw “locking,” or stiffness.
• Pain in the jaws. 
• Facial swelling. 

Because our team takes such a proactive stance in monitoring and pinpointing potential problems with wisdom teeth, patients do not have to suffer from the painful and life-disrupting symptoms mentioned here. We recommend action before they disrupt your life and threaten your oral health.

Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are often removed because they can cause various dental problems. Many individuals lack sufficient jaw space to accommodate these teeth, which can result in crowding, impaction, or infection. Since wisdom teeth are not essential for proper chewing or overall oral health, their extraction is typically recommended if they pose a risk to dental health. If left untreated, they can cause significant problems.

Call (913) 297-7800 before any alarming changes in your mouth occur. Or, you can request an appointment at any time from this website.

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