Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure the majority of today’s adults are familiar with, as most have had at least one third molar removed at some point in their lives. In fact, we recommend that all local young adults visit a Vista oral surgeon for a wisdom tooth evaluation. A thorough examination and x-rays can reveal potential problems caused by wisdom teeth even before they have erupted the gums.
Did you know…Did you know that the wisdom teeth get their unusual moniker from the age at which they typically erupt from the gums? These third molars do not appear until most people have reached adulthood – some as late as age 25. In a perfect scenario, everyone would have plenty of room for wisdom teeth and the molars would be unproblematic. However, this is not the case for most people, as approximately 85 percent of all wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the reasons people have their wisdom teeth removed?
There are many reasons for removing a problematic wisdom tooth. One of the most common causes for removal is impaction, which can lead to chronic and painful infections. An oral surgeon may also recommend removal if a wisdom tooth is crowding the other teeth or presenting in a way that could cause problems with tooth alignment.
Can I have my wisdom teeth removed as a preventative measure?
Wisdom tooth removal is a very commonplace procedure performed on thousands of people every day. Many of those individuals elect to have otherwise healthy wisdom teeth removed as a preventive approach to future gum disease and tooth decay. The third molars are at particularly high risk of developing decay during middle age and late adulthood, as they are difficult to clean properly. Instead of requiring individual extractions at a later age, many prefer wisdom tooth removal all at once during the teen or young adult years, when recovery is easier and there is a lower risk of complication.
What happens during a wisdom tooth removal procedure?
Wisdom tooth removal is a fast, in-office procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Our team takes every precaution to ensure patient comfort throughout the removal. Because we use sedation and anesthesia for our wisdom tooth removals, all patients will need a responsible driver to take them home after the procedure. We provide comprehensive instructions for self- care, including directions for rinsing the surgical area and taking medications as necessary. In most cases, patients who undergo a wisdom tooth removal can return to work or school after a few days of rest.
