Wisdom teeth were useful back when humans had a diet of tough meat, roots, leaves and nuts. Over time as our diets have changed, our jawbones have become smaller so that some of us cannot accommodate these extra molars. You probably know at least one person who has had their wisdom teeth removed. These days, it’s a pretty common procedure for young adults. This is because wisdom teeth make their appearance much later than the rest of our permanent teeth. Do you think you or a family member might need wisdom teeth removed? If you’re wondering what the procedure is like, here’s what you need to know.
Reasons to Get Wisdom Teeth Removal
A lot of people get their wisdom teeth removed but it’s not always a requirement for a healthy smile. Some people have room for wisdom teeth and some people don’t ever get any. Extraction is something we suggest getting done if letting your wisdom grow in will pose problems to your oral health. For example, if your wisdom teeth get stuck when they’re erupting, the result can be pain and infection. If your wisdom teeth come in crooked, they can push the surrounding teeth out of place. If wisdom teeth need to come out, it’s easier to have them removed as a young adult rather than in your later years.
How Wisdom Teeth Removal Works
Wisdom tooth removal is a type of oral surgery. For most people, the thought of any kind of surgery can be a little scary. We want to reassure you that you don’t need to worry. First off, you’ll be given the proper local anesthetic and dental sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The method we use to extract the teeth will depend on their position. Once we’ve removed the teeth, we’ll clean and protect the area so it can heal. After the procedure, we’ll give you instructions on how to manage any discomfort or swelling that may occur as well as give you tips on cleaning your teeth during your recovery.
Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Jonesboro?
It’s always a good idea to have your wisdom teeth regularly checked to prevent problems. During your preventive care appointment, our team will take X-rays. Besides monitoring the health of your smile, this allows Dr. Bartels to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed. Contact Troy Bartels DDS today to set up an appointment with us!