Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Mesquite, TX
Giving Smiles the Space They Need
Early humans relied on their third molars to eat dense, hard-to-consume foods. Over time, jawbones have narrowed, and diets have become more varied, causing wisdom teeth to become unnecessary. At TrueCare Dentistry, Dr. Rana is here to help patients say goodbye to these molars for good! With wisdom tooth extractions in Mesquite, we can create additional space inside the mouth to allow for healthier, better-functioning smiles. Call us today if you or your teenager need assistance.
Why Choose TrueCare Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- We Take a Comfort-Based Approach
- Sedation Dentistry is Available
- We Welcome Your PPO Dental Insurance
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are simply a nickname. They are actually the third and final set of molars! The prevailing theory on why they are called “wisdom teeth” is because of when they typically make an appearance: between the ages of 16 and 25.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
It’s not always necessary to extract a person’s wisdom teeth; however, if your dentist is recommending this type of procedure, it’s likely that:
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted, which means they are below the gumline and need to be removed before they press against healthy teeth and move them out of alignment.
- Your wisdom teeth have partially erupted and are making it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.
- You’ve developed one or more cysts because of your wisdom teeth.
- You are at risk of developing an infection that can negatively impact the health and future of your smile.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The approach Dr. Rana will take to remove your wisdom teeth depends largely on one thing: if they are trapped beneath the gumline, or if they have already broken through. If it’s the latter, then the process is pretty straight-forward; he will numb your mouth and use a dental elevator to lift and wiggle them loose before tending to the extraction site. If they are impacted beneath the gumline, then the removal process is a bit more complex. In that case, he will numb your mouth, create the necessary incisions to access the teeth, and remove them section by section.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To ensure you heal as comfortably and quickly as possible, we will provide you with a set of aftercare instructions, including:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- Avoiding crunchy, hard, and sticky foods
- Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated (just avoid using a straw!)
- Not smoking, spitting, or drinking alcohol
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are removed more often than not, so many patients wonder why we have them in the first place. Many experts believe that ancient humans developed them as a survival technique. Our ancestors likely subsisted on a rough diet of raw foods like chewy meats, berries, roots, nuts, and other plants. They didn’t heat or cook food or have access to utensils to cut it into more manageable bites like we do in our contemporary culture today.
Ancient peoples may have needed these additional molars to compensate for any that had been worn down, damaged, or lost in their youth. These late arrivals likely restored chewing power that might have already been compromised.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Because wisdom teeth are a biological development, most people have them. Typically, there are four extra molars, one for each quadrant of the mouth. However, according to a 2015 article published in the Dental Research Journal, anywhere from 5% to 37% of people are missing one or more of their wisdom teeth. That means some people might have only 3, some may develop merely 1 or 2, and some lucky folks have none!
Remember, though, that these pearly whites often struggle to clear your gumline. You might assume you don’t have any if you can’t see them, but your dentist can verify with an X-ray whether any are present and how many.
Do Wisdom Tooth Extractions Hurt?
Many patients hesitate to schedule their procedure because they’re worried that having their wisdom teeth pulled will inevitably be a long and agonizing process. Thankfully, that’s not the case! Before starting, Dr. Rana will numb the area with a local anesthetic to help you remain calm and comfortable. If your teeth have become impacted and require a surgical extraction, you’ll also be sedated so that your body doesn’t register any pain.
That means you won’t have to worry about potential discomfort until after the medications wear off. Then, it’s normal to feel aches and inflammation for a week or so until you start healing. Typically, any adverse effects fade in time.
Still, if the blood clot protecting the now-exposed nerves and bone tissue is damaged or dislodged, you could develop a painful complication known as dry socket. The best way to prevent this is to follow our post-op instructions in detail.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
You might be surprised that Dr. Rana recommended extraction if you haven’t encountered any issues with your wisdom teeth. It’s natural to wonder whether it’s necessary to pull them if they aren’t actively causing problems.
However, it’s often better to have these teeth removed before they have a chance to cause issues. Your dentist can tell based on examinations, X-rays, and other images whether or not your last molars are likely to cause problems. For example, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience one or more of the following symptoms if your wisdom teeth are left in place:
- They might not fully clear your gums and can become infected or decayed, which can spread to the rest of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- These large teeth are notorious for causing headaches, earaches, and jaw discomfort as they attempt to push through your connective tissues.
- Cysts. A painful, fluid-filled sac can develop around the troublesome tooth if one is trapped in your jawbone.
- Your last molars can push their neighbors out of the way, causing overcrowding and bite misalignments.