Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary for Everyone?

It can seem that wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage into adulthood but is it absolutely necessary for everyone?

via GIPHY

Short answer: No.

But let’s find out why you may or may not need to have your wisdom teeth removed!

First of all, what is a wisdom tooth?

Although it does not supply a source of intelligence as the name suggests, the wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, that most commonly grow in your early teens to early twenties. When aligned properly, they serve a normal function, but often they grow in and cramp your other teeth or disrupt healthy alignment. Here’s why that can be an issue.

3 Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth

1. Cramped wisdom teeth can affect your gums. Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth cause swelling and pain in the gums. It happens especially when they have partially erupted. Such teeth can also cause cysts, infections, and tumors in the jawbone and gum tissue. Partially erupted teeth can form deep pockets around the tooth and develop an infection because of bacteria and food particles around the tooth’s area.
2. Wisdom teeth can affect the neighboring teeth.  If the teeth are too close to each other the area will build up bacterial plaque, food particles and calculus, so the deep pockets tend to form around. There is a high risk to get root cavities and then you will need not only wisdom tooth extraction but neighbor tooth removal also.
3. Wisdom teeth can affect your chewing function, jaw movement or even your natural bite. If you bite your cheek and the tissues around the wisdom tooth are red, swollen and painful it could be a warning sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted and require removal.

via GIPHY

3 Reasons to Leave Em There!

1. If the tooth is healthy.
2. If the tooth is correctly positioned and not overcrowding the other surrounding teeth.
3. If the tooth functions properly.

Tooth Extraction Process

To begin, your dentist will take x-rays to exam the teeth fully and determine if indeed you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth that require removal. Your doctor will then conduct a consultation to go over your case, discuss your options, what happens during the procedure, and post surgery care.

Your doctor will need to go over your anesthesia options with you. There are three main types of anesthesia that you will need to discuss. These include:

Local Anesthesia – The doctor will apply local anesthesia with a needle to the area affected by the surgery. This will numb the area but you will remain conscious during the surgery. You might feel pressure but the procedure will be painless. Many patients opt for this if they have allergic reactions to sedation or general anesthesia or to help with post operative effects of anesthesia such as nausea.

Sedation Anesthesia – With this version, our doctor will give you sedation anesthesia through an IV which will limit your consciousness. You will also still get local anesthesia to the gum area. Many patients opt for this if they have allergic reactions to general anesthesia or to help with post operative effects of anesthesia such as nausea.

General Anesthesia: With this form, you will inhale anesthetic drugs that will render you completely unconscious. You will have no pain and no memory of the surgery. Local anesthetic will also be applied to your gums.

Beware…you might be a little loopy and numb after surgery!

via GIPHY

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Once anesthetic is applied, your doctor will make an incision in your gums to access the impacted teeth. Then the tooth can be pulled out or divided into sections to remove in smaller pieces. Then the wound will be cleaned out and stitched up. Gauze will be placed in the mouth to prevent bleeding.

When the surgery is over, our doctor will supply you with post-operative instructions.

1. You need to keep gauze pads on the removal area for around 30 mins after the removal in order to stop the bleeding.
2. It would be useful to use ice packs on the cheek in order to lessen up the swelling.
3. You will need to avoid strenuous exercises and other physical activities for few following days.
4. Don’t smoke or drink from the straws. This can cause a dry socket.
5. Don’t touch the extraction site and don’t eat chips, nuts and other crunchy and carbonated foods and drinks. It’s the best for you to eat soft food for 2-3 days.
6. If your dentist prescribed you any medications, follow his directions and recommendations.

If you experienced pain and discomfort in the jaw area and if you are considering to remove your wisdom teeth, feel free to contact us at Beverly Hills Dental Center and schedule your appointment to receive a professional opinion about your case. Our team will be happy to help you and provide the best services. Call us at: (310) 659-7063

via GIPHY