Have you ever wondered if there was a time when we needed our wisdom teeth?
At one time, we did.
When you’re born, all your teeth are already in your skull structure. This includes 20 baby teeth, 32 permanent teeth, and three sets of molars — the third of which are your wisdom teeth.
Your first set of molars shows itself when you’re about six years old, then the second set presents approximately six years later, and your wisdom teeth typically emerge sometime between 18 and 25 years of age.
Millennia ago, our diets included meats that were far more difficult to chew than what we consume now. Those old wisdom teeth helped us eat what we needed back then, but now, we’ve evolved to a point where we no longer need them.
Though wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage for many, is it always necessary?
The expert dental team at Expressions in Dentistry has performed numerous wisdom tooth extraction procedures. If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort due to impacted or infected (or both) wisdom teeth, we can help.
We also thoroughly evaluate you, so if there’s a chance the procedure isn’t necessary, we’ll let you know that as well. But how often does that happen?
Wisdom teeth are interesting because for some, they never erupt, and for others, they come in without any issues. In these cases, your dentist doesn’t need to do anything with those teeth.
For many people, however, problems occur as the wisdom teeth erupt. Complications arise when:
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, there’s a higher chance it will become infected because it’s harder to clean, so bacteria and plaque can accumulate.
So, though wisdom teeth extraction isn’t always necessary, most people benefit from it. About 85% of people end up needing to have their wisdom teeth removed, and though that lucky 15% gets to forgo the procedure, they’re definitely in the minority.
Absolutely not! This is a routine, safe procedure, and your Expression in Dentistry provider can answer all your questions before your removal appointment so that you understand exactly what to expect.
Once you arrive for your procedure, we make you as comfortable as possible, and before you know it, you’re on your way home.
When we perform your wisdom teeth removal, it’s up to you whether to receive a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia — we honor your wishes and offer all these options.
Once you’re prepared, your dentist makes small incisions to expose your wisdom teeth. They then remove them either by removing pieces of the tooth or the entire tooth.
After scrupulously cleaning the surgical sites, they suture and close the incisions.
All wisdom teeth patients must have a driver to take them home from the procedure, and thankfully, recovery is neither difficult nor lengthy. You may experience mild bleeding, tenderness, pain, and some swelling, but these will resolve quickly.
If you may need your wisdom teeth removed or are experiencing pain or other symptoms, contact our Folsom office at 916-983-6767 to schedule an appointment. Our convenient online booking tool is also available 24/7.
