Reasons to Visit the Cosmetic Dentist

Most people will agree that wisdom teeth serve absolutely no purpose. They start to emerge quite painfully between the ages of 17 and 25. This third set of molars were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse, rough food – like leaves, roots, nuts and meats. The chewing power required to consume this food, combined with the lack of dental hygiene resulted in excessive wear of the teeth. The wisdom teeth were “replacement” teeth which grew in to replace the ones which wore out or fell out. The modern diet has much softer foods as well as utensils to cut the food into small pieces. For this reason, the teeth do not wear out as we age and the need for wisdom teeth is non-existent. In addition, human jaws have become smaller throughout evolutionary history, so when wisdom teeth form they become impacted or blocked by the other teeth around them. They have become “vestigial organs,” or body parts that have become functionless due to evolutions.

Many San Diego residents visit their dentist to get this procedure done because of the pain that these extra teeth can cause! Dentists and cosmetic surgeons recommend getting their wisdom teeth removed when they are young adults. After the age of 35, patients have much higher risks for complications, harder surgeries, and longer healing times that those that get the procedure done at a younger age. Also, the longer they wait, the more time the root has to firmly root itself into the gums, making it harder to remove. The best time to remove the wisdom teeth is between the ages of 15 to 18 when the roots are about two-thirds formed. A patient knows that they need to visit their San Diego Cosmetic Dentist or dental surgeon when they feel pain in the back of their mouth. Usually this pain indicates that the teeth have become impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth may accumulate food debris around the gums creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Once bacteria are present, the wisdom tooth might decay or cause other teeth to decay as well. In the case of an untreated infection caused by impacted wisdom teeth, cyst formations can appear around the tooth. The cyst may lead to bone destruction, jaw displacement or damage to adjacent teeth. When it is time to visit the cosmetic dentist Del Mar, Chula Vista and other San Diego residents have many choices! Doing research can help them to find a great dentist in the area.

In San Diego teeth whitening and veneers are two of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services. While wisdom teeth procedures can be necessary to one’s overall health, other procedures are done so the patient can feel good about their smile and how it looks. If someone’s teeth are slightly yellow but not damaged, then teeth whitening – either at home or at a dental office – may be the best and most cost-efficient option. On the other hand, if the teeth are significantly discolored or worn down, veneers are a better option. In San Diego veneers are popular because of their aesthetic appeal. For some Southern Californians, appearance can be very important. A white smile can be a very effective way to boost one’s confidence. Even if a porcelain veneer or teeth whitening isn’t needed for severe discoloration or chipped or damaged teeth, everyone wants to look good and have a white, attractive smile!