Wisdom Teeth in Provo

There are many patients who do not visit the dentist out of fear. They fear the expense, they fear the pain, and they fear what the dentist might find. This is especially the case when it comes to wisdom teeth in Provo. Any mention of the words extraction and oral surgery may have them running for the hills. What many patients might fail to realize is that by avoiding the dentist they are only making more trouble for themselves in the future. Instead of avoiding their fears they are making it more likely they will need more expensive and invasive procedures in the future.

Wisdom teeth in humans are also referred to as the third molar. Most often these teeth appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people will grow four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have less or more. The reason they are such a problem is because the modern jaw usually fits 28 teeth in perfect alignment. When these extra molars grow in many patients will suffer impaction or other problems where the teeth erupt incorrectly. This can lead to many other dental problems and that is why extraction of wisdom teeth in Provo is often performed.

Anthropologists show that early humans did not suffer so many problems with their wisdom teeth. They believe this is because their rough diet and lifestyle made their teeth more malleable and spread out. Wisdom teeth often grew in alongside the other permanent teeth and this drifting of the teeth ensured the proper space for them. Today with modern diets and dental hygiene our teeth are healthier and better aligned. This means that wisdom teeth frequently will cause pain and other dental problems if not extracted.

Extract Wisdom Teeth in Provo

You can know if your wisdom teeth in Provo need to be removed by simply visiting the dentist every six months. During the regular exams and xrays our dentist will be able to see and diagnose what is happening below the gum line. By carefully monitoring the development of your third molars our dentist will know if any of your wisdom teeth with cause you problems and will recommend removal. Our dentist in Provo will usually perform extraction in two ways.

Simple Extraction

This is performed on a tooth that is fully erupted and can be seen in the mouth. With a local anesthetic most of these simple extraction procedures can be performed without any noticeable pain and will only require a local anesthetic. Using forceps the dentist will gently rock the tooth back and forth to make the tooth loose enough to remove. With controlled and steady pressure the tooth will come free.

Surgical Extraction

This procedure involves the teeth that cannot be easily accessed. Most often surgical extraction happens on teeth that have not yet erupted or have broken below the gum line. This type of oral surgery most often involves an incision to gain access to the problematic tooth. During this procedure the tooth and excess bone are often removed in pieces. Again, a general anesthetic will be used to keep you comfortable and pain free during this procedure.

Wisdom teeth in Provo are often extracted to help you avoid crowding, infections, and other dental problems. You may experience some sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding after the procedure. That is completely normal and will subside in a few days. Just remember to keep brushing, working gently around the tender areas and try to adopt a soft food diet while your gums heal. Once we have extracted your wisdom teeth in Provo and you have fully recovered you can return to your regular habits and never miss your wisdom teeth.