Encouraging Facts About Modern Wisdom Tooth Removal

More than five million Americans have their wisdom teeth extracted each year. Most of them dread it, but you don’t have to, thanks to modern tools, techniques, and anesthesia.

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, emergency dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, specializes in wisdom tooth removal. Here, she explains how the procedure works and highlights three benefits of the treatment. 

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries. During treatment, Dr. Patel pulls each of your third molars, or wisdom teeth, from their sockets. She often recommends the procedure for people in their teens and early 20s, but any adult with wisdom teeth can benefit. 

The wisdom teeth are the last of your permanent teeth to come in. Because they break through the gumline long after all your other teeth, they’re more likely to become impacted (unable to erupt fully), which can be painful and increase your risk of other oral health problems.

3 benefits of modern wisdom tooth removal

The good news is that modern surgical techniques have made wisdom tooth removal safer than ever. Let’s take a closer look at these advantages:

1. Advanced imaging techniques make surgical planning easier

Traditionally, wisdom tooth removal involved quite a bit of guesswork. Dentists could identify each wisdom tooth’s location with dental X-rays, but they could only garner more specific information after surgery had already begun.

Modern wisdom tooth removal is more accurate. Thanks to the invention of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), it’s easier than ever to map the location of each wisdom tooth and account for the surrounding nerves and soft tissues. 

This technology makes the procedure quicker while reducing the risk of side effects. Precision also speeds healing, so you can return to activity sooner.

2. Modern anesthetics ensure a comfortable, pain-free experience

You may worry that wisdom teeth removal will be painful and affect your biting and chewing abilities. While it’s true that many people experience swelling and mild discomfort after oral surgery, modern anesthetics help.

We offer several types of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation with prescription medication, like Halcion®, and intravenous (IV) sedation. 

After reviewing your health history and dental records, we make recommendations that align with your needs. 

Because modern anesthetics reduce pain and ensure comfort, there’s nothing to worry about post-surgery.

3. Having your wisdom teeth removed can improve your oral health

Since the wisdom teeth are at the back of your mouth, they can be challenging to clean. As a result, they’re more likely to experience plaque build-up, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Removing them prevents these issues altogether, helping your mouth stay healthy. 

If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, call Family Dental Group today for an appointment or book your visit online.