The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, typically begin to erupt in a person’s late teens or early twenties, and this will probably cause no problems for people who have jaws large enough to accommodate them. However, the emergence of these teeth can usher in a range of serious oral health issues and leave the patient with chronic oral pain, so it’s quite common for people to have them removed. Here’s a brief guide to why wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary and how the procedure works.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, and they were much more important for our ancestors than they are for most people today. Primitive humans who lived before cooking was invented used these teeth to grind their diet of raw and coarse meat and plant matter into pulps that were easy to digest. However, the jawbones of people today are often too small to accommodate these molars, and the wisdom teeth can be especially troublesome if they emerge crooked or fail to erupt completely from the gum tissue.
Why Must Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed. If your jaw has enough room for them and you can treat them with proper and consistent oral hygiene, they should be able to remain healthy and comfortable like your other teeth. Interestingly, some research suggests that enjoying a tougher diet in your childhood and adolescence may help your jaw develop so wisdom tooth removal does not become necessary.
However, the emergence of the wisdom teeth when there isn’t enough room for them can lead to a range of oral health issues that make extraction the best solution. A few of these include:
- Dental crowding: The emerging third molars can exert unnecessary pressure on the other teeth and cause chronic pain.
- Oral hygiene difficulties: The wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, which can make them hard to brush and floss properly and set them up for infection.
- Dental misalignments: The wisdom teeth can push the other teeth out of alignment, which can be especially frustrating for former orthodontic patients.
- TMJ disfunctions: The wisdom teeth can alter the way the mouth chews, which can lead to imbalances in the temporomandibular joint as well as pain in the jaw, neck, head, and back.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom tooth extractions are rendered painless by anesthetics, and you may also receive dental sedation if you need a little more help staying still and calm. For a simple extraction, your dentist will use a device called an elevator to lift the third molars from the gums and work them loose from their connective tissue with forceps. However, surgical extractions will involve incisions in the gum tissue. After removing the wisdom teeth, your dentist will close the surgical wounds and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
After your procedure, you will need a trusted individual to drive you home and monitor you in the early stages of your recovery. While you can expect discomfort while healing, you can minimize this by strictly adhering to your dentist’s postoperative guidelines.
About the Practice
Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD offers outstanding oral healthcare to the people of Raleigh. Led by Drs. Brandon A. Hunt, Walter B. Rohner, and Bruce S. Barker, the staff ensures that each patient receives courtesy, respect, and compassion in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extractions. To learn more about how wisdom teeth are removed, contact the office online or dial (919) 847-7100.
