What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?

Photo of a dental patient holding his mouth in the spot of his troubled wisdom teeth

While wisdom teeth were once needed, they are not necessary anymore. In fact, many people have problematic wisdom teeth that cause them pain and other dental problems. 

It is important for people to know what wisdom teeth are and how they can be problematic, so that way they can make the most informed decision on whether or not they should remove their wisdom teeth in Mission Viejo, CA. Continue reading to learn more about what wisdom teeth are.  

 

Here Is What Wisdom Teeth Are

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in people’s mouths. People’s wisdom teeth will typically appear when they are in their late teens or early twenties and are located at the very back of the mouth. Some people may not develop wisdom teeth at all, while others could grow two, three, or even four. 

Although they played a valuable role in the human evolutionary past, nowadays they serve little purpose. In fact, due to the lack of space in many individuals’ jaws, wisdom teeth can often cause dental complications. These complications may lead to the need to have a wisdom tooth removal procedure.

 

Why Do I Need A Wisdom Tooth Removal?

There are several reasons why people might need to remove their wisdom teeth in Mission Viejo, CA. One reason is when people have impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that don’t have enough space to emerge or grow normally. This can lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in at an angle, which can negatively impact surrounding teeth.

Also, an erupting wisdom tooth can create pockets around the tooth, allowing bacteria to grow, leading to oral disease. In such cases, the trusted dental professional may recommend the removal of the wisdom teeth. 

 

How Is A Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure Performed?

Before the problematic wisdom teeth are removed, the dental professional will administer the patient sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry will give the patient a comfortable and anxiety free wisdom tooth removal procedure experience. The dental professional will then make an incision in the patients gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth and bone. Any bone that is blocking the wisdom tooth root is removed before the wisdom tooth is removed as a whole or in sections. 

After the wisdom tooth is removed, the area is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone. The wound is then stitched up to promote successful healing, although this isn’t always necessary. A gauze pad is placed over the surgical site to help stop any bleeding and assist the formation of a blood clot. When wisdom teeth are accurately removed, it gives the patient a pain-free and healthy smile. 

 

See Us Now So You Can Find Out More About What Wisdom Teeth Are 

Interested in learning more about what wisdom teeth are and why you may need a wisdom tooth removal? Then you have come to the right office. We can tell you everything you need to know about wisdom tooth removals and will use the latest techniques and advanced technologies to perform them. 

Why wait to improve your smile with us? Get in contact with our doctor, Dr. Michael K. Clark, D.D.S and our exceptional team at our Foothill Oral Surgery Center office to schedule an appointment today!

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