Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have his or her wisdom teeth removed. In some rare cases, there are some people who have all 32 of their teeth and have no problems. However, the average human mouth is not big enough for all 32 teeth. The average human mouth will usually accommodate about 28 teeth, or 7 in each quadrant of your mouth.

Therefore, most of us will naturally need to have 4 of our teeth removed. Wisdom teeth are the most likely candidates to be removed for several reasons; 1. They are usually atypical in shape and size and have irregular root structures not conducive to treatment if needed. 2. They are the last teeth to come in. 3. They often do not come in at an appropriate angle and are therefore prone to periodontal disease and infection.

What problems can wisdom teeth cause?

When not removed, wisdom teeth can cause the following problems;

• Periodontal disease
• Gum infections due to partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Root caries and possibly the demise of neighboring teeth
• Crowding of teeth once aligned by braces
• Caries due to lack of room to clean that far back in the mouth
• Pain or pressure due to lack of room for eruption

The procedure for removing wisdom teeth can vary greatly depending on if your 3rd molars are “Impacted wisdom teeth”. A term you have probably heard before. It also depends somewhere on your age, which will be discussed. Generally speaking, however, there will be a small incision made for each of the 4 wisdom teeth.

After the incision is made, your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove the teeth. Sometimes removal will require the removal of small amounts of bone and often will require that the tooth be sectioned and removed in 2 or more pieces.

There isn’t an exact age that is perfect for the removal of wisdom teeth. The generally accepted ideal time for most dentists and oral surgeons is before the roots have fully formed. This is because they will come out easier and significantly reduce the healing time.

It would be advisable that if you have not had your wisdom teeth removed to ask your dentist if he thinks you need this procedure. In our office, all teenagers are monitored as they come in for their cleanings and at the ideal time we recommend their removal (assuming they don’t have room to come and or if they wont erupt properly).

Does it Hurt?

This depends on the level of sedation you chose to have for the removal of your wisdom teeth. Generally speaking, the actual removal of the teeth is not a painful experience. Most of the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth removal is post surgery. This depends a lot on how you care for your mouth after the procedure however.

Can I get put to sleep?

When having your wisdom teeth removed here at Desert Family Dental in Mesa, you will usually be given three options for this procedure depending on your tolerance and the amount you want to spend.

1. Removal of your teeth with only local anesthetic. (Not very often recommended. Only suitable for fully erupted wisdom teeth with little to no incisions needed)
2. Removal of your teeth using local anesthetic and an addition of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) This option is also only given consideration when the removal of the teeth is expected to be relatively easy and the patient a is very cooperative patient. The charge for Laughing gas is a minimal charge.
3. Removal of the wisdom teeth under sedation. This is our go to procedure and is employed for around 75% of our patients who need their wisdom teeth removed. By far the easiest route for the patient but usually slightly more expensive depending on your insurance.

With this option you are basically asleep for the procedure and will likely not remember any of it. You will be required skip breakfast and to bring someone with you who can drive you home and stay with you throughout that day. Please call us at Desert Family Dental for more details on how to prepare for this procedure.

What if they aren’t bothering me?

Most wisdom teeth don’t cause any pain until they have caused a big problem. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth evaluated please give us a call. You may be the lucky one who doesn’t need them removed but you want to be sure.

After Surgery

The days following your surgery do have potential for some complications, this is a surgical procedure after all. Before you have your teeth removed we will walk you through all the possible complications that you might run into. Here at Desert Family Dental we pride ourselves on exceptional care, so if you run into any problems we will be here to help you in any way we can.