Wisdom Teeth Extraction

This year in the United States anywhere around 3.5 million wisdom teeth will be extracted surgically with another 10 million simply pulled. "Why is that" you ask? It is a story of human evolution. Thousands and thousands of years ago the wisdom teeth served their purpose as a third set of molars offering more chomping power for the diet of that day. Today’s diet is considerably different and that third set is no longer needed. In fact, upwards to 35% of the population is born today without any wisdom teeth. Another 75% to 85% need to have them removed for the following reasons.

Why do so many need to have Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Usually wisdom teeth erupt through your gum line between the ages of 17 and 25. If you have periodic examinations; the dentist can easily see the wisdom teeth on the x-rays and track their movement. They can determine if the teeth will even erupt or if there will be room to accommodate the additional teeth in your mouth. If it is determined that it is in your best interests to have a wisdom tooth extraction it might be beneficial to have it done sooner versus later to eliminate the possibility of nerve involvement that will occur through the aging process.

The primary reason for wisdom tooth extraction winston salem is that of space. Through that evolution process there is most often not enough room in your mouth. They can come in crooked and put pressure on the balance of your teeth,  affecting your bite pattern and alignment. If you can’t reach the wisdom teeth to properly clean them, it would be best to have them removed to avoid decay and cavities.

There are only two methods of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The first method is simply pulling the tooth just like any other tooth in your mouth. A local anesthetic will numb the tooth and the immediate surrounding soft tissue. The tooth is pulled with a pliers like instrument called a forceps.

With an impacted tooth only two additional steps are added. After the area is numb the soft tissue is surgically cut to expose the tooth. The forceps again are used to pull the impacted tooth. Then the site is sutured closed. You may need some additional sedation to control anxiety and minimize any pain if the tooth is tough to remove.

The Healing Process and the Benefits

You don’t proactively remove an appendix even though it serves no purpose to you, but the proactive removal of a wisdom tooth can save you from potential negative health issues. After the tooth is removed you will be advised to care for the site by not smoking, or chewing tough food, or using a straw for a beverage. Brushing must be done carefully to as to not disrupt the blood clot over the extraction side. It is well worth the effort, because once the site has healed, proper bite alignment can be maintained.

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