Wisdom teeth can cause a number of dental problems, as well as pain and discomfort
In fact, wisdom teeth removal is often very helpful in maintaining optimal oral health. We often recommend a wisdom teeth removal procedure in order to prevent damage to other healthy teeth, and to avoid complications and issues in the long-term.
If your wisdom teeth have erupted, you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms and oral health issues — here’s what an extraction involves, why it’s done, and what you can expect after the procedure.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, and usually develop during the late teen years or, in some cases, in early adulthood. They are the last teeth to erupt and are typically noticed between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes, wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) don’t cause any issues at all, but if they get stuck within the soft tissue or bone and are unable to break through, they become what is known as impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can occur when there is not enough room in the mouth, and can cause a number of issues, including pain and swelling in the jaw, bleeding and swollen gums, and bad breath.
When is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
When there is not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth, they tend to erupt at an angle. In some cases, the teeth don’t fully emerge. This can cause damage to the surrounding healthy teeth. When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, it can cause issues with one’s bite. It can also create an area in which food is more likely to get caught, leading to tooth decay and painful infections.
What does wisdom teeth extraction involve?
We will begin by performing an examination, as well as an x-ray, at which point we will be able to see if your wisdom teeth are impacted. We may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction to avoid dental problems in the future — removal is generally much easier in young people, when the roots of the wisdom teeth are not yet fully developed, and the bone is less dense. It is best to remove wisdom teeth before they become a major problem and begin to damage other, healthy teeth.
Often, fully erupted wisdom teeth can be removed in a simple procedure. If they have become impacted, however, surgery may be necessary. During the surgical procedure, you will be given an anaesthetic before a small incision is made in your gums. Any problematic bone will be removed along with the wisdom teeth. The incision will be stitched closed and your wound will be dressed in gauze. The entire procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, depending on how deep your wisdom teeth are impacted within the gums and bone.
How long does recovery take?
Although it can take up to six months for your mouth to heal completely following a wisdom teeth extraction, you should be able to resume your normal activities after a few days. For the first week after the procedure, you may find it quite difficult to open your mouth normally. At this stage, we recommend sticking to soft foods, like mashed potatoes, pumpkin, and smoothies.
It is normal to experience some pain, bleeding and swelling after a wisdom teeth extraction. We will advise you on the best ways to manage this pain, and if necessary, prescribe pain medications to ease any discomfort.
For more information wisdom teeth extraction at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, have a look here.
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