A Wise Choice for Your Mouth: Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

A Wise Choice for Your Mouth: Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are usually removed during the teens or twenties years. Some people put off this procedure or don’t have it done at all because of fear, or they think it’s not necessary. Education has improved, but most patients don’t know all they need to. Here are the reasons for wisdom teeth removal and the benefits.

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Remove Them?

Wisdom teeth are defined as “each of the four hindmost teeth in humans, appearing at about age twenty.” That refers to the third and final set of molars. Getting them doesn't mean immediate removal is necessary. To a point, wisdom teeth can be beneficial if they come in properly aligned. The problem is they are often misaligned or don’t come in completely. Some adults may not even have a full set; a small percentage have three wisdom teeth while some have only two.

Wisdom teeth often come in aligned horizontally or positioned away from the other molars, which can cause pain and make eating or drinking difficult. These teeth also make it harder to brush or floss because the misalignment makes them more difficult to reach. Therefore, wisdom teeth are likely to get dark spots, cavities, and other dental problems.

Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted – meaning “trapped” or enclosed in the soft tissue, gums, or jawbone. Many of them break through only partially, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes bleeding if they’re deep enough into the tissue. Dentists usually use X-rays to detect wisdom teeth, how they’re aligned, and how far they've erupted. Here at Solace Oral Surgery,we use our 3D technology not only detect wisdom teeth, but also to view crucial anatomical structures such as nerves, sinuses and adjacent teeth. We can also estimate when wisdom teeth removal will be necessary.

What About the Operation?

Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental surgery  make sure you consult a specialist. Patients have the option of staying awake with conscious sedation, but it’s generally performed under local anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will explain the risks.

The surgery doesn't require an overnight stay. Have someone drive you to and from the procedure. You’ll receive instructions, and if necessary, medication for any swelling or discomfort.

What Are the Benefits?

Removal will eliminate pain in the teeth, jaw, and gums, and will reduce the possibility of decay. It can also help realign your bite, which reduces the risk of food getting between your teeth and under your gums, and will decrease crowding of your other teeth. The result: a healthier and more attractive smile.