Wisdom tooth extractions are common dental procedures that can relieve a patient of chronic pain and prevent a host of frustrating and destructive oral health issues. However, removing the third molars is not necessary for everyone. Here’s a brief guide to who may may benefit from having their wisdom teeth removed and how the procedure is performed.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone is born with all four wisdom teeth. Some people are born with three, two, one, or even none. Not having wisdom teeth is not known to cause any oral health complications, so people born without them can expect to forgo the extraction process without any negative consequences.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need Extraction?
The wisdom teeth served to help our ancient ancestors pulverize their diets of raw animal and plant material into pulps that could be easily digested, but the jawbones of modern humans are often too small to accommodate these sizeable third molars. However, some people will have adequate space on their jawbones to host their wisdom teeth, so extraction will not be necessary. In some cases, these people may need their third molars extracted later if cleaning them becomes too difficult when they are older.
How Do Wisdom Tooth Extractions Work?
The process of removing wisdom teeth is the same as removing any other teeth, and insurance plans usually cover the treatment by at least 50% since it is considered a necessary preventative procedure. After the patient receives an appropriate anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure their comfort, their dentist will use a device called an elevator to lift the third molars from the gum tissue and then gently work them loose with forceps.
Complex extractions, on the other hand, involve making incisions in the gums so the wisdom teeth can be accessed, and they are typically needed if the teeth have not emerged from the gums properly or if they are sideways. In these cases, patients may have to be referred to a specialist.
The best way to stay comfortable when recovering after wisdom tooth extraction is to strictly adhere to your dentist’s aftercare instructions. If your oral health professional recommends wisdom tooth extraction, you can remain confident that it is the best way to preserve your oral health.
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Care offers the finest oral health services in Costa Mesa. Led by Drs. Jeremy B. Jorgenson, Kevin Coppelson, Hadi Shbeeb, and Iris Zhou, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, kindness, and excellent customer services. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extraction services. If you are concerned about the health of your wisdom teeth, contact the practice online or dial (714) 424-9099.