Has your dentist informed you that your wisdom teeth are coming in? Perhaps you’ve been referred to an oral surgeon for a wisdom tooth removal consultation. If you have queries about wisdom teeth and their removal, read on for answers to frequently asked questions.
How many wisdom teeth does a person have?
A person can have up to four wisdom teeth but some people do not develop wisdom teeth at all. Others might have between one and four wisdom teeth.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that develop during one’s late teenage years or early-to-mid 20s. Originally, this third set of molars was helpful because people’s first and second sets of molars would often decay by the time a person was a teenager or adult. This means that third molars would essentially replace back teeth that were lost to disease.
Now that people’s teeth last much longer – and in some cases a lifetime – third molars are unnecessary.
Should wisdom teeth always be removed?
Most dental professionals recommend the removal of wisdom teeth. This is because their arrival contributes to a myriad of oral health and quality of life concerns. The primary reason wisdom teeth cause problems is due to the fact that there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come through the gums.
Since the mouth is crowded, wisdom teeth tend to become impacted, which means that they are “stuck” in the gums and/or jawbone. Not only will the crowded situation lead to unwanted tooth movement and orofacial pain, impacted teeth are prone to developing infections due to most of the tooth being submerged below the gums and debris collecting in this space.
People who keep their third molars have increased risks of developing worn dentition due to occlusal problems, periodontal disease, abscesses, and dental caries.
Will I be comfortable during my procedure?
Yes, our guests’ comfort is of the utmost importance. During oral surgeries, our staff administers medication such as anesthetics and sedating medications to ensure relaxation and comfort. We also utilize the latest technology and treatment protocols to reduce invasiveness to improve post-operative comfort.
Call us today at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery to reserve a wisdom teeth removal consultation.
