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  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
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      • Dental Care for Your Baby
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      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
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      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
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      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
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      • Crowns
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      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
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    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
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  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
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    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
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    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
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    • Meet Dr. Allie
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Wisdom Teeth Removal: 5 Myths Debunked

  • August 28, 2017
  • 11:00 am
  • Dental Care, Dental Education
  • Molars, Teeth Removal, Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removal of wisdom teeth, the third set of molars, has been controversial for many decades. The third molars are an extra set of molars that typically come in – if at all – later in life than when adult teeth typically come in. As children age into their teen years and beyond, the wisdom teeth or third molars may start to erupt through the gums. Today, Parkcrest Dental looks at 5 common myths about wisdom teeth removal and offers some professional insight into each.

Related Post: Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Should I Expect?

5 Myths About Wisdom Teeth Removal

One of the most common myths about wisdom teeth removal is that they all must be removed, regardless of their position or condition in the mouth. In reality, dental experts estimate that only  about 12% of wisdom teeth create problems for the patient and need to be removed. If the wisdom teeth are pushing against the neighboring teeth or are covered with a flap of gum, then they need to be removed.

The second common myth about wisdom teeth is that removal earlier in life is better. While teens and younger adults’ have better immune systems, research shows that the incidence of secondary infection, paresthesia (nerve damage) and dry socket (when the healing blood clot breaks and falls away) is higher among the 12 to 24 year old age group than older patients.

Another common myth about wisdom teeth removal is that leaving wisdom teeth intact can cause enough pressure to move the neighboring teeth, ultimately resulting in bite issues and “smile” issues – causing the front teeth to move.  Again, the research shows that this not a common occurrence and if wisdom teeth are healthy and have erupted without issue, removal may not be necessary.

Wisdom teeth removal is not without some risk to the patient. While most extractions are performed professionally and without problems, nevertheless, as with all surgeries, there is some risk to the patient. It is important that your dentist or oral surgeon has a complete medical history from you, when evaluating the need for wisdom tooth extraction.

Lastly,  the myth that wisdom teeth issues increase with age is completely unsupported by research.  Studies have shown that younger people typically have more problems with their wisdom teeth than older people.

Related Post: Wisdom Teeth Removal: Why Do We Have Them?

Parkhurst Dental Group

Looking for a dentist, orthodontist or pediatric dentist in the Springfield, Missouri area? Look no farther than Parkhurst Dental Group. Our group of professional dentists and dental specialists is ready to help you keep your smile healthy and bright. Contact our office today to make your appointment for wisdom teeth removal.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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