The Truth About Wisdom Teeth Surgery
One after another, students disappear for a few days. They return with slightly swollen cheeks, excuse notes for gym or band, and soft foods in their lunch bag. Wisdom teeth extraction can seem like a rite of passage in high school. Of course, teens aren’t the only ones who have their wisdom teeth out. Adults can also undergo this common surgery to remove problematic molars. Troubled wisdom teeth can cause significant trauma, so dentists are quick to recommend their removal if there is cause. When you want to learn the truth about wisdom teeth surgery in Northern Virginia, turn to Northern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates. Our knowledgeable team and experienced oral surgeons will work with you to ensure that you have all the information necessary to feel confident about your decisions and your care.
Why Does It Seem Like Everyone Is Getting Their Wisdom Teeth Out?
Wisdom teeth, which dentists call third molars, are typically the last teeth to emerge. Some believe these teeth are evolutionary holdovers from times when poor diets and even poorer dental care made tooth loss frequent and the appearance of four additional molars in the late teens or early twenties extremely useful.
Today, most of the population enjoys refined grains, good oral hygiene, and excellent dental care. It’s a combination that preserves healthy teeth and smiles. Consequently, many people don’t have room for their wisdom teeth. As a result, it can seem like everyone is having their wisdom teeth extracted.
Are There Risks to Resisting Wisdom Teeth Removal?
There are people who will have wisdom teeth that emerge perfectly and never cause any issues, but they’re a lucky minority. If your dentist suggests that it’s wise to consider wisdom teeth removal, it’s probably because they’re concerned about one or more of the risks that are raised if you keep problematic wisdom teeth:
- Pain: Wayward wisdom teeth can trigger discomfort in numerous ways.
- Cysts: Wisdom teeth that are stuck beneath the gums may form cysts. This can cause pain, infections, and harm to nearby structures.
- Bite trauma: When wisdom teeth force their way into an area where there’s not enough space, they can cause crowding. Shifting existing teeth out of the way can damage them and often has negative impacts on your bite.
- Cavities and gum disease: Molars have craggy tops that are a challenge to clean when they’re easy to reach. Wisdom teeth that are tucked in the back of the mouth or only partially erupted are a nightmare to maintain. That makes them a favorite hiding spot for bacteria and a prime place for cavities and gum disease.
- Infections: The difficulties in cleaning around wisdom teeth also make them ripe for infections. It’s worth noting that infections that start in the mouth can travel via the bloodstream, so they’re a threat to your overall health.
Why Is Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out Smart?
Turning to an experienced oral surgeon in Northern Virginia for wisdom teeth extraction can be a smart choice. Removing these troublesome, hard-to-reach molars from the very back of your mouth can make your daily oral hygiene easier. It can also lower your risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health troubles.
Having your wisdom teeth extracted also brings peace of mind. Once they’re out, there’s no need to be concerned that they’ll start moving around or cause pain or problems. You’ll never need to worry that you might be forced to deal with them at an inconvenient time in the future because the problem has already been addressed.
What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The oral surgeons at Northern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates are specialists with advanced training, experience, and a firm commitment to providing exceptional patient care. When you turn to our practice for a wisdom teeth extraction in Northern Virginia, your journey begins with a consultation. During this visit, we encourage you to ask questions. The oral surgeon will conduct an exam, take imaging tests, ask health questions, and discuss your individual situation, including your preferences for anesthesia. Then, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits you.
In the days before your procedure in Northern Virginia, you’ll receive preoperative instructions from your oral surgeon. These typically include things like when to arrive, how to take medications, and whether you can eat or drink before your procedure. If you have questions that aren’t addressed in your instructions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
For your comfort, the initial step in the extraction of wisdom teeth is anesthesia. Then, the oral surgeon makes a precise slice in the gum tissue. They’ll remove the wisdom teeth through this incision. If necessary, they remove any small bits of bone that are interfering. They may also carve teeth into smaller pieces to facilitate a smooth extraction. They’ll finish by stitching up the incision.
Learning the facts about wisdom teeth extraction makes it easy to see why so many people decide to have this common procedure done. If you’re dealing with troubled wisdom teeth or a similar issue, contact Northern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation.
