Many of our patients have many questions about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal so for your convenience 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre has put together a blog post that covers the facts about wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt in your mouth and usually this occurs between the late teens and early twenties. This youthful time of life has been referred to as the “Age of Wisdom” hence the name of this particular molar.

Anthropologists speculate that our early ancestors rough diet caused an enormous amount of wear of their teeth. Their teeth then drifted to compensate for the wear, making space for wisdom teeth to come in during adolescence.

In modern times our diet is significantly softer, along with the orthodontic tooth straightening popularity have developed a fuller dental arch, leaving no room for wisdom teeth to come in. This creates problems when the wisdom teeth erupt in the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth are very painful and lead to infection, in addition they may damage adjacent teeth and roots. Despite the serious concern with regard to impacted wisdom teeth the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation as well as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons confirm that wisdom teeth that are impacted are just as prone to disease as wisdom teeth that erupted in the mouth in an upright, normal position.

The question is often asked, “If my wisdom teeth don’t hurt, why must I get them removed?”. The fact is not all problems caused by wisdom teeth are painful or visible. Whether you are aware of it or not, your wisdom teeth can cause serious damage.

The roots of your wisdom teeth become longer as they grow, making the wisdom teeth very complicated to remove. We can’t foresee what problems will occur as you age with your wisdom teeth in tact, however we do know it can be extremely painful, as well as more complicated to treat as you get older.

Our sedation dentistry makes procedures like wisdom teeth removal a comfortable and relaxing experience for all our patients who require it, especially those who suffer from dental anxiety.

Contact our Vancouver office to book your wisdom teeth removal appointment today.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure in Vancouver, but most patients are not even aware of why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. The extraction experts at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre have written this handy guide on wisdom teeth to answer any questions you may have.

“Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure in Vancouver, but most patients are not even aware of why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. “

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, the last molars in your bite, typically show up in people aged 16 to 25 years old. In the past, wisdom teeth were useful for our diet of harder foods and meats. Nowadays, with softer diets and orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth are left with little room to erupt.

Some people are unaffected by wisdom teeth, while others experience painful situations that require immediate removal. It’s a good idea to ask a dentist at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre for more information on your wisdom teeth development.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth out?

Wisdom teeth removal is necessary because:

• There is no room for them to erupt
• Improper oral health care has caused tooth infection
• The teeth are erupting at an abnormal position
• The wisdom tooth has lacked proper oral hygiene care

How will my dentist take out the wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is typically pain-free due to oral sedation. The procedure will begin by:

• Using a local anesthesia to numb the area
• Removing tissue or bone that is on top of wisdom teeth
• The tooth is loosened from any connecting tissue in jaw
• The wisdom tooth is removed with the proper dental tools

After the procedure, dental stitches are typically utilized to help with healing. There is likely to be swelling or bruising, but a cold compress and medication should aid in a faster recovery.

For more information on wisdom teeth removal in Vancouver, or to book an appointment, contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre today.