Wisdom Teeth
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function.In modern humans the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when there is inadequate space for them to properly erupt into the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: recurrent swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The presence of the erupting wisdom teeth may disrupt or prevent the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Langston can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if there are current or predictable future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Removal
Dr. Langston has performed more than 1,000 impacted wisdom teeth cases. This outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Langston has the training, licenses, and experience to provide local and intravenous (IV) anesthesia for patients. The anesthesia techniques eliminate anxieties and create a wonderful surgical experience. The surgery and the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Any and all questions are welcomed and will be answered to your satisfaction.
Afterward
Once the teeth are removed the proper home care will be reviewed in detail. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. In addition to the verbal and written postoperative instructions, you will receive a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week. A review of the pertinent postoperative instructions is also located in another part of this website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (321) 242-2100.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.