Following you’ll find answers to common questions about this necessary procedure.
What are wisdom teeth and why do we have them?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars. These teeth begin to emerge through the gums during early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25.
While some folks don’t have any wisdom teeth, most people will develop one to four. These third molars were beneficial before access to modern dentistry was widespread. This is because people lost their adult teeth very early on in life.
With significant improvements in people’s oral health over the years, the emergence of wisdom teeth ends up being very problematic. People keep their adult teeth much longer, leaving very little room for wisdom teeth to erupt properly.
What could happen if I keep my wisdom teeth?
If wisdom teeth extraction has been recommended, it’s for good reason. Keeping your wisdom teeth increases the risks of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and orthodontic issues. Additionally, wisdom tooth retention can present quality of life issues such as TMJ disorder, facial pain, and headaches.
Why do wisdom teeth negatively affect oral health?
Wisdom teeth negatively affect oral health for many reasons. Since there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they often become stuck in the gums and/or jawbone. This can lead to them only erupting partially or coming in sideways.
The crowded situation associated with their arrival can move other teeth out of position, which contributes to oral disease and discomfort. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean, too. This will increase a person’s risks for tooth decay and gum disease.
Will I be comfortable during wisdom teeth extraction?
Our oral surgeon takes every measure necessary to ensure our patients’ comfort during treatment. Our team will administer anesthetic and sedating medication to maintain your physical and emotional comfort. After your procedure, we will provide you with a packet of information that contains tips to manage discomfort and swelling for optimal healing.
For more information or to schedule a wisdom tooth consultation, contact Jackson Oral Surgery today.