Our Dental Blog

There is a good chance that either you or someone you know has had their wisdom teeth removed. If you need to have the procedure done, you’ve likely had lots of people describing their experiences and offering advice. It’s talked about so often that it almost seems like a rite of passage. Because of that, it is easy to ignore the details about the procedure rather than take the time to learn more about these peculiar teeth and why they are frequently removed. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will tell you about wisdom teeth and why extraction is often necessary.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Where Are They?

Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, usually start to come in between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. They appear at the very back of the mouth: two on the top and two on the bottom. For some, they appear without issue. For others, however, they might be impacted (where they don’t fully emerge from the gum) due to the crowding of other molars, or they might come in at an angle or in the wrong position. In these cases, extraction is likely required.

Do I Need Them Removed?

As noted above, you will probably need the third molars removed if they are impacted or are affected by overcrowding. Furthermore, your dentist will factor in other issues when determining if extraction is necessary. He or she will assess if the presence of these molars will affect the oral health of your existing teeth. They will also look for signs of infection in partially erupted teeth. Finally, they will see if the positioning of them will cause food to get trapped, causing the growth of bacteria. Any pain you experience is another important factor that can determine the necessity of removal. Ultimately, your dentist will make the decision that is best for your oral and overall health.

What Is the Extraction Procedure Like?

Before your wisdom teeth are removed, your dentist and oral surgeon will take a variety of factors into account. They will assess how many need to be extracted and their condition, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia required, and the state of your other teeth, in addition to other considerations. Once all of this has been determined, your dentist will schedule you for an appointment to have the teeth extracted. On the day of your procedure, you will receive either local anesthesia or, for more complicated cases, IV sedation. After the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will send you home, typically with a family member or friend, to rest. You will only be able to eat soft foods for a few days. You will receive helpful instructions to ensure the proper care of your mouth.

Do You Have Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal?

To learn more about our process for extracting wisdom teeth, schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.