Be proactive! Get your wisdom teeth removed.

It is a common occurrence for impacted or erupted wisdom teeth to cause a large amount of damage in one’s mouth before the individual experiences any pain or even knows that a problem exists. This can have a dramatic impact on the treatment options available, time it takes to correct the problem, and the length and ease of the recovery. It is important to be proactive while wisdom teeth are developing in order to prevent any problems before they arise and to maintain dental and overall health.

In order to find out whether a wisdom tooth is impacted and trace the potential path of eruption, we use a CBCT Kodak 9300 scanner to determine the exact location and placement of a patient’s wisdom teeth. We will provide you with the best options for wisdom tooth removal taking into consideration the significant amount of experience our doctors have gained in wisdom tooth extraction and the long-term health of the patient’s mouth.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction under Sedation

If our doctor’s determine that wisdom teeth removal is the best method for maintaining oral health, our surgical staff will prepare all patients for their upcoming procedure by providing all of the details of the treatment, answering questions and preparing every individual to enter the operating room with ease. Sometimes, this involves the use of sedative medications to prevent anxiety and discomfort during the procedure. Our doctors have extensive experience working with many forms of anesthesia and will provide individuals with a thorough overview of their options prior to their procedure if wisdom teeth removal is recommended.

In addition, our surgical staff will give a detailed explanation of the patient’s treatment options, answer any questions that they may have prior to the procedure, provide detailed instructions for care once the procedure is complete and ensure that all patient’s feel confident going into their appointment. It is normal for patients to feel anxiety prior to their procedure, and sedation dentistry provides us with a proven-effective method to eliminate that anxiety, as well as any discomfort during the procedure and provide a safe and relaxing surgical experience. Our doctors utilize proven techniques within a state-of-the-art accredited surgical center to ensure high-quality performance and successful outcomes.

Busting some myths about wisdom teeth removal

Check out this article that we recently read from The American Journal of Public Health, T. B. Dodson MYTHBUSTERS AND WISDOM TEETH Am J Public Health, April 1, 2008; 98(4): 581 – 582.

Thomas B. Dodson, a DMD and MHP, discusses some myths about wisdom teeth.

1. Third molars have high incidences of pathology.
2. The removal of third molars is not as traumatic at a younger age.
3. He agrees that wisdom teeth causing crowding of anterior teeth is a myth.
4. There is an increased risk of pathology in impacted wisdom teeth with age.
5. Oral and facial surgeons are aware of risks after wisdom teeth removal and don’t take it lightly.

You can see the article at The American Journal of Public Health

What are third molars?

The average adult has 32 teeth and the average mouth is capable of holding only 28 teeth. The frontal teeth are for biting and grasping food. The back teeth, also known as the molars, are for grinding food to a consistency that can be swallowed.

It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars. They are also known as wisdom teeth.

Your third molars are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, third molars do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of third molars is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

These 10 reasons should give you a good understanding of why you should get your wisdom teeth removed and why so many others have already done so. Who do you know that still has their wisdom teeth?

1. Be Proactive! Eliminate discomfort before it starts.
2. Keep You and Your Baby Safe. Wisdom teeth removal can help lessen the occurrence of low fetal birth weight.
3. Have Healthier Oral Function.
4. Avoid Impaction.
5. Stop the Dangerous Threat of Gum Disease.
6. Do You Like Your Bite Alignment? Keep it that way and preserve your orthodontic investment.
7. Bad Oral Health Can Hurt Your Overall Wellbeing.
8. Your Jaw Doesn’t Have Enough Room For Wisdom Teeth.
9. Have The Peace of Mind You Are Looking For.
10. The Sooner, The Better! One study suggested that if you are older than 25, you face greater risk of postoperative complications.

Do I have to get my wisdom teeth extracted?

It is almost impossible to determine if you should have your wisdom teeth removed without a thorough exam. If your wisdom teeth are unable to erupt properly they will most likely be recommended for extraction. The teeth may be angled in a way (sideways or backwards) that could cause problems in the future.  Also, the size of your jaw (if you have a small jawbone) doesn’t have sufficient space for a third set of molars.

Wisdom teeth can also be partially or completely covered by gum tissue and bone. This is known as impaction and can put you at a risk for infections, cysts, and possible jawbone damage. Even wisdom teeth that grow in properly may be recommended for removal because they can be difficult to keep healthy. Being in the rear of the mouth, your wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean and floss and are often infected by tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Most people don’t look forward to get their wisdom teeth removed. There are so many myths and horror stories out there that it can be difficult to know what to do. Luckily you can have your wisdom teeth removed in Provo, Payson and Riverton without any of these horrors. Our doctors have dual degrees and have all the experience necessary to relieve you from your fears.

How will the sedation feel?

Your experience in our surgical facility, which is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), will be nothing but bliss and comfort. In most cases, the wisdom teeth extraction starts with laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and a tiny pinch for an I.V. Soon you will drift off into a quiet sleep for a short period of time.

Many individuals worry about waking up during the surgery; this does not occur.  Local anesthetics will be used to numb the gums, bone, and teeth before your wisdom teeth removal and patients are unable to feel pain during the procedure and upon awakening.