Wisdom teeth extraction is a necessary procedure that can help protect your oral health. This type of dental surgery is required when wisdom teeth become impacted, causing pain and potentially damaging other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause overcrowding of the jaw and lead to infection in nearby tissue. In some cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended if the wisdom teeth are growing at an angle that could cause harm to other teeth or if they have decay that cannot be treated with fillings or other restorative procedures. By extracting these problematic molars, you can prevent more severe issues down the road and ensure your overall dental well-being.
Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause overcrowding of the jaw, pain, infection in nearby tissue, and potential damage to other teeth. In these cases, it may be best to have them removed before any further issues arise. Wisdom tooth extraction may also be recommended if the teeth are growing at an angle that could cause harm to other teeth or if they have decay that cannot be treated with fillings or other restorative procedures.
Benefits of having wisdom tooth extraction done
Although wisdom tooth extraction is a surgery, it can provide many beneficial effects. After the procedure, patients may experience improved oral hygiene, decreased pain or discomfort due to overcrowding, and increased overall dental health. Additionally, removing wisdom teeth may help prevent any potential decay or damage to other teeth caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
The steps involved when extracting your wisdom teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth typically begins with a dentist or oral surgeon consultation. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the mouth and take X-rays to determine the exact position of the impacted teeth and surrounding bone structure. Once the position of the teeth is determined, anesthesia will be administered before any further steps are taken.
Next, an incision will be made in the gum tissue to create access to the wisdom tooth. Sometimes, part of the bone may also need to be removed to gain better access. Then, the impacted tooth will be gently extracted from its socket using special dental instruments, such as forceps or elevators. If necessary, any remaining pieces of a tooth can also be removed at this time.
Once all wisdom teeth have been removed, stitches may be used to close up any areas where an incision was made to aid with healing and reduce discomfort. The area may be packed with gauze to help control bleeding and encourage clotting. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how many teeth are extracted and other factors.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively standard procedure that can help improve overall dental health by removing problematic or impacted teeth before they cause more serious issues in the future. It is essential for individuals considering this procedure to consult their dentist beforehand so they can fully understand what will happen during it and what kind of recovery time should be expected afterward.
Managing pain after the procedure
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential to manage the pain. You can take medicines your doctor gives you or put a cold pack on your face where the tooth was removed. Eating soft foods and gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help with the pain.
Risks associated with delaying the removal of wisdom teeth
If wisdom teeth are not extracted, many potential risks could occur. Over time, the impacted teeth can cause overcrowding of the jaw and can result in pain and infection in nearby tissue. In addition, if the teeth grow at an angle, they can cause damage to other teeth or put too much pressure on them, leading to cracking or weakening. If left untreated, these issues may worsen and require more extensive treatment. Furthermore, leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated could also lead to misalignment of other teeth and difficulty brushing or flossing correctly due to overcrowding. Additionally, bacteria trapped around the impacted molars can cause decay of nearby healthy teeth and may even lead to gum disease or other oral health complications. Therefore, individuals need to consider having their wisdom tooth extraction done to minimize any potential risks of leaving them untreated.
In conclusion, wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively standard procedure that can improve overall dental health by removing problematic or impacted teeth before they cause more serious issues down the road. It is essential for individuals considering this procedure to consult their dentist beforehand so they can fully understand what will happen during it and what kind of recovery time should be expected afterward. Pain management after the procedure is also crucial to reduce discomfort and aid healing. If you have any questions about wisdom tooth removal or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, please call us today!
