Every year, our doctors at Fort Worth Oral Surgery see hundreds of patients for wisdom teeth removal. Some of them have just one or two wisdom teeth, but most people have all four wisdom teeth that decide to make an appearance in their late teens or early 20s.
When discussing surgical option for wisdom teeth removal, many patients ask our doctors whether or not they should have all their wisdom teeth removed at once. This is a great question, and it’s one we’re here to answer in this blog, so keep reading.
A Little History About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are often referred to as the third molars and are the last teeth to appear in your mouth – almost 10 years after your second molars that come in when you’re around 12 years old. Believe it or not, the late arrival of wisdom teeth were once greatly appreciated by our ancestors. This is because oral hygiene of old was basically non-existent; therefore, most people would lose several teeth by their late teens or early 20s. So when the third molars pushed through, there was plenty of room for them, and they were much needed to restore oral function.
With the advancements in modern dental care, most patients keep all of their teeth well into their 60s, so we really don’t need our wisdom teeth nowadays. Scientists have even classified these third molars as “vestigial organs,” which are body parts that have become functionless due to evolution.
Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth
Since we don’t need our wisdom teeth for oral function, there’s really no reason to hold on to them. In fact, most people experience discomfort and cosmetic issues when these third molars try to join their other pearly whites.
Many wisdom teeth are impacted, which means they are unable to emerge from the gum line normally and they push against the other surrounding teeth. This leads to discomfort, and could cause damage to other tooth roots and the jawbone.
For men and women who’s wisdom teeth are able to cut through the gums, there is often an issue of overcrowding. The existing teeth begin to shift and move, and often cause misalignment issues that your former orthodontics corrected all those years ago.
Wisdom Teeth Removal With Sedation Dentistry
If you still have your wisdom teeth, and are considering wisdom teeth removal with sedation dentistry, our doctors recommend that you have all of your wisdom teeth removed at one time. This will cut down on the cost, recovery time, discomfort, and inconvenience that multiple surgeries could caused.
Your safety and comfort are top priorities for our doctors at Fort Worth Oral Surgery, which is why they use the full range of sedation dentistry options available. When you come in for your wisdom teeth removal, you will first be provided with nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to help you relax. After you have gotten comfortable, our doctors will then use an additional form of sedation dentistry administered through an IV, which will be inserted into your arm. This anesthesia will put you to sleep for the duration of your procedure. However, this IV sedation dentistry will not numb you, so our doctors will inject a local anesthetic in your gums to numb the area near your wisdom teeth.
You can rest assured that you’re in highly qualified hands with our doctors. By using sedation dentistry appropriately to meet the specific needs of each patient, our doctors can provide you with a pain-free experience. The important thing to remember is that dental work should never be avoided, and sedation dentistry can help alleviate any concerns you may have regarding your procedure.
Call Fort Worth Oral Surgery Today To Schedule Your Initial Consultation
If you’re wisdom teeth have been making you suffer, don’t wait to call our office! Our doctors have been providing wisdom teeth removal with sedation dentistry for more than 40 years, and they can help you, too!
You can reach a member of our friendly staff by calling (817) 731-2789 today or fill out the contact form!