Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Brookline, MA
Wisdom teeth are molars that typically develop in the back of the mouth during late adolescence or early adulthood. They are the last teeth to emerge and usually grow behind the second molars. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 90% of people have at least one wisdom tooth, and most have all four wisdom teeth. However, not everyone will develop wisdom teeth, and some may have only one, two, or three. The number of wisdom teeth a person develops can also vary depending on their ethnic background. For example, studies have found that people of Asian descent are less likely to acquire wisdom teeth, while people of African descent are more likely to create them.
The exact reason why people have wisdom teeth is only partially apparent. However, it is believed that they were helpful to our ancient ancestors, who had more enormous jaws and needed more teeth to grind up tough and fibrous foods. Over time, as human diets changed and jaws became more minor, wisdom teeth became less necessary and often caused problems due to their size and position. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent these problems.
Wisdom teeth can cause issues such as crowding or shifting of other teeth, infection, cysts, or tumors, and even damage to nearby nerves. Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to fully emerge or grow properly, causing discomfort and other dental problems. Additionally, wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean correctly due to their position at the back of the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In summary, wisdom teeth were likely evolutionarily valuable for our ancestors, but in modern humans, they often cause only problems and are commonly removed.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is necessary when:
- The erupting wisdom tooth grows at different angles in the jaw and gets trapped and unable to erupt normally
- If a wisdom tooth causes repeated infection and pain
- When damage to the adjacent tooth causes food impaction and caries, pain, and difficulty in maintaining the hygiene
- Limited space available leads to crowding of teeth
- It causes traumatic bite
The wisdom tooth extraction procedure typically involves using local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth and sedation, if necessary, to help you relax. Your dentist will then make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and remove it using specialized instruments. After the tooth is removed, he may place stitches to help the gum tissue heal. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the area, including how to manage any pain or swelling. You may also be given medication to manage pain and prevent infection. It is essential to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to promote healing and avoid complications. In most cases, you should be able to resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure, although it may take several weeks for the area to heal fully.
Having a tooth removed can be scary for some people, including wisdom tooth removal. However, the reality is that tooth extraction is a very common, safe, and routine dental procedure with a high success rate. Our team of experienced dentists will give you the proper consultation and recommendations on wisdom tooth extraction, so you do not need to worry!
Please call us at (617) 274-8494 to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction. Schedule your consultation with the best dentists in Brookline, MA!
