There are notable benefits to wisdom tooth extraction, and understanding when it is recommended and what to expect throughout the treatment and aftercare process can help you ease any anxieties that you have ahead of your scheduled consultation or wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
The most common questions patients have about wisdom tooth extractions deal with the purpose of the procedure, the risks involved with not removing wisdom teeth, and what the procedure and aftercare process involve. This review answers these related questions and more to provide you with the information you need before your next dental visit.
Let's start with the basics. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are a set of molars in the very back of the mouth. There are a total of four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth. They are also the last set of teeth to emerge. In fact, they usually do not emerge until 5 to 10 years after the rest of the permanent teeth emerge.
By the time they emerge, the patient already has a full set of functional teeth. Since wisdom teeth are also the largest teeth in the mouth, there is not always enough room inside the jaw for them. In other cases, there may be enough room, but they are growing in sideways rather than vertically, pushing against the second molars as they come through (more on this below).
Wisdom tooth extraction can either be necessary or elective to prevent concerns in the future. Often, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent or deal with:
Wisdom teeth that grow sideways or emerge when there is not enough space in the jaw can damage other teeth and gums. It can also make orthodontic treatment more challenging, which is why dentists typically recommend wisdom tooth extraction before orthodontic care.
As mentioned, wisdom teeth that do not emerge properly may increase the risk of gum disease, oral infections, and tooth damage. They may also make it difficult during orthodontic care or make alignment issues worse. Wisdom teeth are also vulnerable to decay as they are harder to reach while brushing and flossing.
The wisdom teeth procedure does not typically cause discomfort during the procedure itself as the dentist can use a numbing agent and sedation. However, there may be some discomfort following the procedure once the sedation wears off. The pain should not be severe and can be managed with good oral hygiene, rest, and pain relief medication.
It can take several days up to more than a week to recover after wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to reduce the risk of irritating the affected area by keeping the mouth clean and eating a soft diet. It is also important to take a few days off from sports and other physical activities as well.
It is important to eat a soft diet during recovery. This can include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and yogurt. Ice cream that is low in sugar and milkshakes are acceptable as well, but it is important to limit the consumption of food that is hot (e.g. soup). It is helpful to drink water throughout the day as well to wash away bacteria and food.
After your surgical procedure to remove wisdom teeth, the dentist (or oral surgeon) may recommend a follow-up visit. This is to ensure the mouth heals properly. It is also important to notify the dentist anytime unusual or severe symptoms develop, such as extreme swelling of the gums. This could indicate a possible infection or another oral health concern that needs to be addressed immediately. It is important to follow the aftercare plan provided by the dental staff.
Here at our dental practice, we assist our patients through the wisdom tooth extraction experience, ensuring they have their questions answered and feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Contact us today if your wisdom teeth are causing problems or if you would like to learn more about the benefits of having them removed before problems develop.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionfamilydentalslo.com or call Mission Family Dental at (805) 205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.
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