June 2014 - Desert Maxillofacial Center

Especially with the younger crowd, this is a question we get time and time again in our office! And understandably so! To some, removing the wisdom teeth seems like it should be an elective procedure, not a necessary one.
You have probably heard the statistic that 85% of people have to have their wisdom teeth (also called “third molars”) extracted at some point during their life. But you may be wondering “Why?” (As in “Why fix it if it isn’t broken?”)

Well, as it turns out, naming these teeth “wise” demonstrates a very questionable use of vocabulary. “Wisdom” teeth actually turn out to be more like “trouble makers” for most people, and the common removal of them during the young adult years is done as a necessary preventative measure to avoid much bigger problems down the road.

What kind of problems are we preventing?

One of the problems wisdom teeth present is that often there is no place for them to grow. The average mouth is designed to accommodate 28 permanent teeth, not 32. What ends up happening is that the third molars start to grow horizontally, inward or outward or even into the jaw bone, eventually crowding the nerves and causing pain.

In the case of impacted teeth, they may be “stuck” in the jawbone, only able to partially erupt through the gums. This can create an inlet for bacteria with the potential to cause serious infection inside the mouth and jaw area. Furthermore, brushing and flossing becomes a problem, which leads to more problems with decay and infection.

Still not convinced as to why we would perform the procedure now instead of just waiting to see if you develop problems later in life? Great question! As it turns out, we have a very good reason for that as well: In a teen or young adult, the removal of wisdom teeth is much easier to perform with less pain and complications simply because the roots have not fully formed yet. Once those roots set in the surgery becomes more complicated.

We understand your hesitations about wisdom teeth removal, and we’d be happy to answer any other questions you have about your wisdom teeth, give us a call today!

In my practice, I hear dozens of questions every day about dental implants from concerned (or simply curious) patients. Every one of those questions is a good question and I always try to provide an equally good answer. To help you better understand an upcoming dental implant procedure, we’ve compiled a top-five list of the most common questions about dental implants that we field in our office every day:

1. Can dental implants get cavities?

No. Because the implant-restored crown is an artificial (not natural) material, it cannot grow cavities, phew! However, you still need to have regular gum care and cleanings around the implant site just like you would for a natural tooth.

2. Can implants slip or fall out like dentures?

No. The artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the permanent titanium post that is set in the jaw. They will not slip around or fall out like you may have experienced with dentures.

3. Can I sleep with my dental implants in?

Yes! They are practically “permanent”, unlike dentures. You do not need to remove and soak them overnight.

4. Aren’t dental implants more expensive than bridges and dentures?

It depends. If you are talking about just a few teeth, implants may be cheaper over time than bridges because they last longer. However, if you need a whole row of teeth replaced, dentures may be a less expensive option for you. Each case is unique, however, so be sure to call us for a proper consultation. We are here to help you understand your costs and benefits so that you can make an informed decision.

5. How long will my dental implants last?

If implanted and cared for properly, dental implants can last for many decades or possibly even a lifetime. Some implants have been in patients for over forty years!

Don’t see your question on our list? Contact us today for quick answers!

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