Wisdom Teeth Woes: Understanding the Need for Dental Extractions
Late bloomers in the dental world? That’s our wisdom teeth! Popping up in our teens or twenties like unexpected guests. Got questions, or feeling a pinch? We’re here to help! While these teeth once served an essential purpose for our ancient ancestors, modern human jaws have evolved to be smaller, often leading to various dental issues when wisdom teeth begin to erupt. In this article, we will delve into the development of wisdom teeth, explore common problems associated with them, understand the need for dental extractions, and take a closer look at the extraction procedure.
The Development of Wisdom Teeth
The development of wisdom teeth is a natural process that occurs as part of our dental maturation. These molars are located at the back of the mouth, one on each side, on both the upper & lower jaws. They usually start to emerge between the ages of 17 & 25, when individuals are considered to have gained some wisdom, hence the name “wisdom teeth.”
In ancestral times, when the human diet consisted of rougher and harder foods, wisdom teeth played a crucial role in chewing and grinding tough plant material. However, with advancements in cooking and food preparation, our diet has become softer over time, leading to changes in jaw structure. Consequently, modern jaws often lack the space to accommodate these extra molars.
Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
The emergence of wisdom teeth can often be accompanied by a range of dental problems, primarily due to misalignment or impaction. Some of the common issues associated with wisdom teeth include:
- Crowding: When there is insufficient space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they may push against the neighboring teeth, causing crowding and misalignment.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they fully emerge from the gum line. This can lead to pain, swelling, & an increased risk of infection.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create an opening in the gum, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections known as pericoronitis.
- Cysts and Tumors: wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts & tumors, which can damage surrounding teeth and bone.
The Need for Dental Extractions
Given the potential complications associated with wisdom teeth, dental extractions are often recommended to prevent or address these issues.
During the evaluation, the dentist will assess the position and alignment of the wisdom teeth, as well as any existing or potential problems they may cause. In some cases, proactive extraction of healthy wisdom teeth may be advised to prevent future complications.
The Extraction Procedure
The extraction of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure often performed in a dentist’s office near you or an oral surgeon’s clinic. Here’s what you can expect during the extraction process:
- Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, the dentist near you will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used for more complex extractions or for patients who experience anxiety.
- Incision and Access: Think of an impacted wisdom tooth as a shy party guest hiding behind a curtain. Sometimes, our dentist must make a tiny ‘doorway’ in the gum to say hello properly. Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle!
- Removal: The dentist in Brandon will carefully remove the wisdom tooth using specialized dental instruments. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
- Stitching and Recovery: After the extraction, the dentist will place stitches to promote proper gum tissue healing. Patients will receive post-operative instructions on how to care for the extraction site & manage any discomfort.
Tooth Extractions in Brandon, FL
Though wisdom teeth were once handy for our ancestors, today, they can be more like uninvited guests causing mischief. We get how they can become bothersome—feeling unease or suspecting issues? It’s essential to connect with us or a trusted dentist for tooth extraction near you. Remember, catching things early with regular check-ups can be your ticket to a long-lasting, comfy smile. Your well-being is our priority. Get in touch with Brandon Perfect Dental today!