We get lots of question about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal in our dental practice so we want to answer a few of the most common wisdom teeth questions we hear most often.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
Does everyone have wisdom teeth? No, not everyone has wisdom teeth. Many studies have been conducted, but the most common result is that at least one wisdom tooth is present.
What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that typically form behind the standard first and second set of molars in the jaw. They are often referred to as third molars, and they’re the final set of chompers to grow in.
Why are they called wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth take their name from the time when they often appear. They typically begin to emerge from the gums between the ages of 17 to 21, a time when many are attending college and learning about their life after youth.
Why are wisdom teeth removed? Roughly 60% of people opt to having their wisdom teeth extracted, and this is typically due to the fact that many grow in at an angle and can cause future problems. For some, the teeth grow in perfectly straight and can be left alone and observed. For others, there’s no room in the mouth or the wisdom teeth will only partially emerge through the gums. Known as impacted wisdom teeth, these improperly angled teeth can upset teeth alignment and even affect the jaw. They are also more susceptible to common oral health issues such as decay and plaque.
If you don’t need them, why do we have wisdom teeth? Research suggests that wisdom teeth are leftover internal relic of a different time in the history of human beings. Many years ago, humans lived on a diet of food like roots, raw meats, and firm leaves—things that made a lot of tearing and crushing a necessity. As such, early humans had a larger jaw and room for more teeth. As dietary intake began to change, so did the human body, effectively eliminating the need for a third set of molars, wisdom teeth.
Most people believe that you need to be sedated to have your wisdom teeth removed or see an oral surgery to have them out. In some cases yes, but not all. We’re here to help you know your options and and provide you with a game plan that works for you.
In our office we strive to make your appointment to the dentist office a pleasant and comfortable visit all in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. We recently added, soothing spa-like amenities; aromatherapy & essential oils, hot towels, coffee & tea, paraffin wax, neck pillows & blankets, massage dental chairs, as well as nitrogen oxide (laughing gas) and other levels of sedation.
At Radiance Dental Dr.Bharathi is highly trained in extractions and does them daily. Wisdom teeth are no different. Sometimes they’re a little trickier than others, but with our latest addition to the office the KaVo OP 3D, you can read about this amazing technology in our blogs, it brings accuracy and diagnose to the best of its class. It makes everything so much easier to keep everything in house so your family does not have to travel form office to office to have pending treatment taken care of. Make an appointment at our E. Vancouver and Camas, WA location to have Dr.Bharathi examine your wisdom teeth for a proper plan. We’re conveniently located off of 192nd on 34th St next to QFC Camas.
