Wisdom Teeth: Why Extraction is Necessary and What You Can Expect from the Procedure

You have heard the term “wisdom tooth,” but do you know what they are? Your wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of your mouth, which, in most cases, are the last teeth to erupt. For many, wisdom teeth will not surface until they are in their teenage years or older. Wisdom teeth can grow in without issue, but, for many, there will be spacing issues. In particular, many individuals do not have enough room in the back of their mouth for these teeth to properly erupt from the gums without issue.

When you visit Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, California, Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian and our team will evaluate you or your teen to determine if the removal of your wisdom teeth via extraction will be necessary. We will perform the procedure utilizing the newest dental techniques if extraction is needed. We offer sedation options that will ensure your comfort throughout the length of the procedure.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth

It has been found that around 85 percent of the population will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point. You may think that number is high, and it is. The reason for this number is quite simple; we no longer need these teeth for proper oral function. Wisdom teeth are a remnant of our past. Back in the days of the first humans, they had more prominent jaws that could more easily accommodate 32 teeth. The man’s diet at this time was courser and had higher protein, resulting in teeth wearing down faster. Wisdom teeth were a welcome addition to our ancestors’ mouths and allowed them to chew this different diet easier for better digestion. As time has progressed and our diet and way of life have drastically changed, our mouths have become smaller, and these teeth are no longer needed.

When wisdom teeth try to grow into our mouths, they can face several issues.

• For some, wisdom teeth will try to erupt through the gums at an off angle or even sideways. They can run into other teeth and begin to push them out of the way, causing alignment issues and problems with your bite.
• For others, wisdom teeth could become impacted, blocking their ability to emerge from the gums. If these impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, many dental problems could surface, including gum pain, cysts, infection, and more.

What You Can Expect from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The process chosen for wisdom teeth extraction will depend on if they have become impacted or not. If your wisdom teeth have emerged without impaction, the procedure will not differ much from a regular tooth extraction. The proper method of sedation and anesthesia will be applied based on your specific circumstance and need for comfort. The timing of the extraction will depend on how complex the procedure will be.

All information about the procedure will be provided to you before the extraction. This information will help you prepare for the surgery and inform you about what will happen. This information will also cover what you must do to prepare for the surgery. There will be certain medications that you will need to avoid, which thin the blood. You will also be provided with the necessary instruction for post-procedure care so that you heal and recover with minimal issues. Based on your pain tolerance, pain medication may also be prescribed to you so that you do not experience discomfort in the days following your procedure.

To schedule a consultation about your or your child’s wisdom teeth, call Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian of Royal Dental Practice at (818) 334-6655.