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.tanqueverdedental.com or call Oro Valley Family Dentistry at (520) 833-5261 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Tucson, AZ.
Concerned about impacted wisdom teeth? Read on to learn more about this condition and how it is addressed. The third pair of molars at the rear of the mouth is known as the wisdom teeth. These teeth usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Impaction is when a wisdom tooth becomes trapped beneath your…
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that is not typically enjoyable but is often necessary in order to eliminate pain and crowding within the oral cavity. Individuals that are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction may find it helpful to get familiar with the recovery process, which can be involved, depending on the number of teeth…
There are many reasons that a dentist may require a patient to have a tooth extraction, particularly if the tooth causes problems with the patient’s oral health, function or appearance. After tooth extraction, you should be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by the dentist and understand what options are available to replace the…
Emergency dentistry deals with dental emergencies that require immediate treatment. For example, an infected tooth requires urgent care since it causes excruciating pain, and the infection is always a risk of expanding to other parts of the body.Here are some fascinating facts everyone should know about emergency dentistry:The emergency dental care umbrella covers any dental…
Dental crowns are a popular option for restoring a smile, but they offer more benefits than you may know. A dental crown is a customized, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or compromised tooth to help its shape, size, appearance, and strength. Discover common signs indicating a dental crown is right for you.A dental crown…
Dental crowns may be the final touch after a root canal treatment. This therapy is your dentist’s effort to keep your teeth intact. It aims to remove the source of pain and infection. In some patients, extra tooth protection is necessary after a root canal. Here are the details about when dental crowns are necessary…