Why Do You Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that come in, usually between the ages of 17 to 25. Not all wisdom teeth cause dental issues. If they emerged correctly and are not impacted, then they are not required to be removed. However, in many cases, some problems arise when the wisdom teeth erupt. If the wisdom tooth has no space for its normal development, it can result in an impacted wisdom tooth. When this happens, it may need to be removed immediately to prevent further damage. For those of you who are experiencing oral issues caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, you may schedule a visit with us at Beaverton Oral Surgeons. Future Dental ProblemsThough not every wisdom tooth causes problems, leaving them unattended can be harmful for your oral health in the long run. If a wisdom tooth is impacted and not removed right away, it can lead to several dental complications. The impacted tooth can lead to decay and damage the neighboring healthy teeth. It can also lead to pericoronitis, or the bacterial infection in the gum tissue that causes swelling. In some cases, without proper monitoring, the growth of wisdom teeth can shift the positioning of the jawline making it hard for the mouth to open and close. They are Vestigial StructuresWisdom teeth, or the third set molars, are also considered vestigial organs. These are parts of our body that are no longer useful for us and have become unnecessary. One more good example of a vestigial feature is the appendix. Researchers believed that wisdom teeth once served a purpose for our ancestors a long, long time ago when their diet mostly consisted of hard to chew nuts, leafy vegetables, and undercooked or uncooked meat. However, in modern times, with the introduction of cooking, we learned to cut food into pieces and cook it. Wisdom teeth have served their purpose and we longer need them. They are more likely to cause damage now and not be helpful at all. How Are They Removed?The removal of a wisdom tooth is quick and safe. It should take around 45 minutes or less to be finished. Before the surgery starts, our oral surgeon may administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the gum that surrounds it. This will make the procedure painless and smooth for the patient. After the surgery, you will be given detailed instructions on what to do and what to avoid for proper recovery. You may experience some pain and swelling around the area of surgery. This is normal and will go away naturally after a few days. Getting your wisdom tooth removed only takes one appointment. Wisdom tooth extraction is considered an outpatient procedure. This means that you may go home the same day you had your oral surgery. The healing time usually takes three to four days, but it may vary from patient to patient. For people who have impacted wisdom teeth, it can take up to two or more weeks. Wisdom teeth may have had purposes for our ancestors, but nowadays they can cause more harm than good. Having them removed can save you from possible oral problems in the future. If you or a close family member is dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, you may book an appointment with us at Beaverton Oral Surgeons. To learn more about tooth extractions contact us at (503) 646-7101. |
 Hillsboro400 E Main St Ste 120, Hillsboro, OR 97123 Hillsboro, OR 97123-4163 (503) 646-7101 Beaverton3925 SW 153rd Drive #100 Beaverton, OR 97003 (503) 646-7101 HoursMon - Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm |
