Anthropologists believe that humans have wisdom teeth as an answer to chewing a scavenged diet consisting of sturdy, coarse foods (like leaves, roots, nuts, and meats). The evolution of the modern diet leads to tools like forks and knives and softer foods that have made the need for wisdom teeth nonexistent. Scientists regard wisdom teeth as vestigial organs (or body parts that have become useless as a consequence of evolution).
If you are between the ages of 17 and 25, you may be experiencing pain from an impacted or erupting wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth, or 3rd molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt. If they become impacted, wisdom teeth can cause many health issues unless they are carefully extracted by a professional.
What Are “Wisdom Teeth?”
Wisdom teeth are the four mature teeth that are positioned in the posterior edges of your mouth. If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have the capacity to develop, it will become impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth may:
- Grow at an angle towards the back of the mouth, second molar, or other teeth.
- Grow vertically straight, but are ensnared within the jawbone.
Impacted wisdom teeth may result in infection, discomfort, and other dental issues.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
As a preventative measure, some dental professionals advocate wisdom tooth extraction before impaction to reduce the risk of complications. Complications and risks associated with impaction include:
- Discomfort
- Crowding
- Tooth Decay
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth
- Periodontal Disease
- Cyst Formation
- Infections from Bacteria and Trapped Food Particles
- Destruction to Adjacent Teeth, Bone, Sinuses, or Nerves
Consultation
During your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination, discuss your medical history, and discuss an in-depth surgical approach to wisdom teeth extraction. This will aid in the effectiveness of your procedure.
Sedation
Many people experience anxiety or fear at the dentist’s office. Sedation is an optional step to ease anxiety during wisdom teeth extraction. Intravenous (IV) sedation is safe, fast, and potent.
Most patients who have undergone IV sedation don’t remember the procedure at all. If you are worried about the sound of drills or other triggers of dental phobia, intravenous sedation dentistry may be the prerequisite procedure for you.
Extraction
Before surgery, anesthesia will be applied to make the extraction more comfortable. The oral surgeon will make an incision above the gum line to expose the tooth and bone. Next, the oral surgeon will remove the bone that blocks access to the tooth root and wisdom teeth. Then, the oral surgeon will clean the surgery site of any debris and suture the wound to promote healing. Wisdom teeth extraction typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete.
Recovery
After wisdom teeth extraction, you will need someone responsible to drive you home as the effects of anesthesia and sedation decrease in intensity. Dr. Tye will instruct how to care for your wound and how to adapt to life as your surgical site is healing. Some side effects to expect are:
- Light Bleeding
- Swelling
- Discomfort
Request a Consultation in Colleyville, TX Now
Dr. Tye is an esteemed oral and maxillofacial surgeon that performs modern sedation and simple and complex tooth extractions in the Colleyville, TX area. Call 817-552-3223 or message us online to schedule a consultation.
