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Most people are familiar with third molars, more commonly known as “wisdom teeth”.  It is usually suggested that a young adult entering the “age of wisdom” have any existing wisdom teeth removed prior to developing any problems. Because most people’s mouth do not have room for these third sets of molars, the remaining wisdom teeth often fail to erupt and can cause pain, infection or
inflammation.

However, you might not realize that about 35 percent of the population doesn’t experience any third molar development. This percentage is slowly growing, begging the question of whether we are on an evolutionary track of losing them completely.

Scientists still aren’t sure of the role that DNA plays in third molar development. One large difference in third molars is that they are the only teeth to develop entirely after birth, which makes it harder for nature to select against them. There may also be environmental factors at work. Studies show that certain cultures have fewer incidences of third molars, but scientific evidence of influencing factors is still to be determined.

As science progresses, many believe bioengineering could be used to prevent the development of third molars altogether. For wisdom teeth to form, a special tissue that promotes the bone growth has to migrate back into the mouth to interact with jaw tissue. Some scientists have begun work on administering a laser or chemical agent that would prevent this process.

It is hard to say what the future might hold for wisdom teeth. For now, we continue to recommend removing your wisdom teeth to avoid the pain and periodontal disease that results from impaction of wisdom teeth. Moreover, this surgery should take place during the young adult years prior to the teeth attaching to the jaw and becoming more difficult to extract.

Wisdom tooth removal in our office is a relatively simple process. Call us to reserve a consultation today.

Here in our office we perform a variety of treatments including dental implants, facial reconstruction and teeth removal. If you haverecently been diagnosed with a condition that requires any of these types of treatment, you will likely be required to go under general anesthesia. 

For some people, impeding anesthesia can induce a bit of anxiety. We completely understand what you are feeling and believe that proper education can help put your fears at ease. The following are some of the most common questions our patients have before “going under”.

What is exactly is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is a medically induced loss of consciousness (also called coma) that affects your entire body. This administration of a variety of medications is extremely beneficial for both our patients and our oral surgeons. The side effects include:

The purposes of general anesthesia include:

1. Analgesia (loss of pain)

2. Amnesia (loss of memory)

3. Immobility

4. Unconsciousness

5. Skeletal muscle relaxation.

Is anesthesia safe?

Due to many advances over the past 25 years, the risks of anesthesia are very low. Certain types of illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity, can increase your anesthesia risks. Still, even very sick patients are routinely brought through major operations safely.

Adverse events are very rare. The specific risks of anesthesia vary with the particular procedure and the health of the patient. You should ask your oral surgeon about any risks that may be associated with your specific condition.

What should I know before I come in?

Before you go to have your procedure completed under general anesthesia, here are a few requirements:

• Have a responsible adult accompany you to drive you home.
• Do not eat or drink anything before 8 hours of surgery.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry, or dentures during the time of your procedure.
• Do not wear excessive makeup, lipstick, or nail polish on day of surgery.
• Make sure to notify your oral surgeon of any illness, cold, sore throat, or upset stomach.

Are there side effects I should be aware of?

There are a few different side effects of general anesthesia. The most common are nausea, sore throat, sleepiness, and shivering. However, effects may vary greatly with each patient — it all depends on how your body reacts to it. It’s a good idea to consider any prior experience(s) with general anesthesia to get an idea of to know what t expect during your next oral procedure.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any remaining questions you have. We are happy to answer them!