Do I need my 3d molars removed?

Between the ages of 16 and 21, the average adult typically has a full set of 32 teeth—16 on the upper jaw and 16 on the lower jaw. However, our mouths are naturally equipped to accommodate only 28 teeth. Each tooth serves a specific purpose and is named accordingly. The front teeth (incisors, canines, and bicuspids) are designed for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces, while the molars at the back of the mouth are used for grinding food into a texture suitable for swallowing. Beyond the molars are the wisdom teeth, which often pose issues for most people as they usually do not have enough space in their mouths to erupt properly without affecting the surrounding teeth.

We recommend that patients with unerupted, partially erupted, or poorly erupted wisdom teeth schedule a consultation. During this visit, our dentist will perform an oral examination and take x-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if any current or future issues may arise. Typically, wisdom tooth removal is done under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or general anesthesia. These options, along with the surgical risks (such as sensory nerve damage or sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure. We need to assess your current oral health before proceeding with an extraction. Remember, if an extraction is deemed necessary, it is to enhance your overall oral health.

How can we help you at Aurora Bayview North Family Dental?

When wisdom teeth extraction is recommended, the dentist performs the procedure under previously discussed modality of sedation, whether just under local anesthetic, under laughing gas or under full sedation, right here at our clinic, with assistance from an experienced anesthesiologist.