The Wisdom of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Having your wisdom teeth removed stands as a rite of passage for many teenagers in the United States, even celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber have recently made headlines for undergoing this fairly routine procedure. But why is it so common for young adults to have the molars in the back of their mouths removed?

At the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, board-certified periodontists Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky regularly perform wisdom tooth removal and understand the confusion that often surrounds this procedure.

What Are the Point of Wisdom Teeth Anyway?

By the age of 12, most children will have lost their 20 baby teeth, having grown in larger, permanent adult teeth. It is not until around age 17 to 21 that the remaining molars show up. When wisdom teeth finally come in, the majority of the time, their late arrival causes disruptions that can be more than a little painful.

So, why do these late-bloomers show up in the first place?

There are numerous theories as to why wisdom teeth exist, but the most popular among researchers is that they are built to handle tougher food and help compensate for any teeth that may have been lost during a time when life expectancy was roughly 30 to 40 years.

Should Your Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

As the saying goes, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it! If your wisdom teeth have come in and do not cause any pain or discomfort, it is very likely that your molars can stay right where they are. Extraction may be necessary if your wisdom teeth cause the following issues:

• Pain around the wisdom teeth or caused by the wisdom tooth pushing the other teeth
• Infection, especially in the gums around the wisdom teeth
• Damage to the other teeth from crowding
• Partially erupted or un-erupted wisdom tooth
• Difficulty clean the wisdom teeth
• Tooth decay, such as cavities or discoloration
• Gum disease, including gingivitis or periodontitis

Schedule Regular Checkups and Cleanings

The best way to protect your oral health, whether from issues regarding your wisdom teeth or a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, is to see your dentist on a regular basis. If removal is necessary, entrust your dental health to a board-certified periodontist.

Contact Our Experts in Brentwood

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are board-certified periodontists in Brentwood who specialize in wisdom teeth extraction and other oral surgical procedures We understand that having your wisdom teeth removed can be a nerve-wracking experience, so we make it our singular goal to ensure that we carefully examine your dental history and walk you through every step of the extraction process so you are fully informed and prepared.

An expert periodontist can ensure the success of your wisdom teeth removal procedure. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, please contact Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky for a consultation today. Call (310) 826-8242 to schedule your appointment.

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