Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Routine visits to your Fort Lauderdale dentist will allow your dentist to partner with you to monitor the presence of these third molars, their disease status, and discuss management options. If your wisdom teeth align properly with surrounding teeth and the gum tissue surrounding them remains healthy, you may not need to have your wisdom teeth removed. However, if your wisdom teeth do not come in straight, they may push on adjacent teeth causing either infection or movement in those teeth. Additionally, formation of a tumor or cyst around a wisdom tooth can result in damage to the jawbone and healthy neighboring teeth. Removal of the wisdom teeth is required to restore proper oral health.
Removal of wisdom teeth, when needed, is recommended in young adulthood. During your regular dental check-up, your dentist will use x-rays to monitor your wisdom teeth and will make recommendations for removal based on those findings. Early removal is recommended for several reasons. It is best to remove wisdom teeth before they cause crowding, pain, or infection. Early removal is also beneficial as the roots of the teeth continue to grow as the patient ages developing roots that are more integrated into the jawbone, and therefore, more difficult to extract. Because the extraction is usually more simple in young adults, the recovery time is typically quicker in young patients.
Many patients may be apprehensive about having their wisdom teeth removed. Fortunately, IV sedation can help make the procedure more comfortable and relaxing for the patient. IV sedation involves administering an anti-anxiety medication through IV directly into the bloodstream. While it does not put you to sleep, IV sedation does help you relax and feel peaceful. IV sedation is the most safe and predictable sedation technique used in dentistry. During your procedure, our team will continuously monitor you with electrocardiogram (EKG), pulse oximeter and blood pressure monitor to ensure your wellbeing.
Please call the office of Dr. Gerard Wasselle and Dr. Nancy Rotroff to schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options for wisdom teeth removal with IV sedation. Our office is conveniently located on E. Commercial Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and can be reached by calling 954-928-1666.
