An accomplished professional with significant experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Christopher C. Babcock, MD, holds a doctor of dental medicine from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He currently practices oral and maxillofacial surgery at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants. In addition, Dr. Christopher C. Babcock is skilled in dental implant placement and wisdom tooth removal.
The wisdom teeth are usually the last molars to emerge, and this generally occurs during the late teenage years or early twenties. Wisdom teeth vary in number, typically four in an adult, although some people have none. The wisdom teeth may emerge without any issue, while often there is a problem which may require tooth extraction.
When wisdom teeth erupt through the gum in a healthy position, the tooth can be retained if hygiene is good in the area. However, a wisdom tooth may remain impacted or erupt from the gumline at an angle and press against the oral tissue and an adjacent tooth. This is uncomfortable and may lead to infection. An infection of the oral tissue can be managed by careful oral hygiene in that region. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed. If the problem tooth is not removed, then infection may reoccur.
Christopher C. Babcock 