Addressing dental concerns promptly can lead to a healthier, more comfortable life. One of the most frequent procedures many undergo is the removal of wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common and often necessary intervention to preserve the health of your mouth and avoid potential complications. It might seem complex, but rest assured, with our skilled California team and personalized approach, we ensure a comfortable and safe experience for every patient. So, take a moment to read through the information we’ve provided, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you might have.
What Is A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
A wisdom tooth extraction, also known as third molar extraction, is a dental procedure performed to remove the final set of teeth that emerge in the mouth. These teeth, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually located behind the upper and lower molars.
While most individuals have four wisdom teeth, some may have fewer or even more. When considering our present dietary habits and the process of human evolution, it is anticipated that there will be a gradual decline in the development of wisdom teeth over thousands of years. This suggests a fascinating connection between our evolving diet and the changes in our dental anatomy.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
From an evolutionary perspective, our diets hundreds of years ago were rougher and harder, requiring higher bite forces which allowed the bones (jaws) to be stimulated to get larger and, in turn, to allow all the teeth to erupt and function normally due to having enough space.
Through the centuries, with the diets becoming softer, the jaws have become smaller and thus making it difficult for the teeth to erupt normally in a straight manner, so they are usually angled due to lack of space. This can lead to pain, swelling, difficulty cleaning behind the second molars, the formation of cysts, and potential damage to neighboring teeth, nerves, and sinuses.
As we age, the roots continue to grow and can cause problems later in life. It is easy to predict some of the potential problems, and this is why it’s important to come and speak to one of our surgeons. Generally, wisdom teeth should be removed in order to avoid future problems.
What Does Removing My Wisdom Teeth Require?
The real answer is that it depends. If the teeth have erupted, then they can be taken out like any other tooth. If they are angled or impacted, then a combination of cutting the gum tissue, the bone, or the tooth may be required.
It is best to talk to your surgeon to get the details of your specific case, as this is one of the purposes of a consultation. Additionally, it is important to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be utilized for your procedure.
If you come to our office for oral surgery or to have your wisdom teeth removed, you can rest assured we will provide you with the highest quality of care from the time you show up for your consultation to your post-operative visit. We believe that you deserve to have a positive experience, and we will do everything possible to ensure you do.
If you are ready to begin, call our office to consult a California oral surgeon.