Wisdom Teeth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of the mouth, typically appearing between ages 17 and 25. While they were once useful for our ancestors' tougher diet, many people today lack sufficient space in their jaws for them to grow in properly. This often leads to issues like impaction, misalignment, and crowding. As a result, dental professionals often recommend proactive removal to prevent pain, swelling, infection, and potential damage to neighboring teeth.
Why remove wisdom teeth?
The extraction of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, is typically recommended when they cause problems or potential complications. The timing for wisdom teeth extraction can vary from person to person, but there are some common scenarios when it is often considered:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to fully emerge and become trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone, they are considered impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and can potentially damage nearby teeth. In such cases, dentists or oral surgeons may suggest removing the impacted wisdom teeth.
Prior to Orthodontic Treatment (Braces/Invisalign) :
Removing wisdom teeth before braces makes the orthodontic treatment process smoother and more predictable. The dentists can better plan the braces' placement and movement without the concern of the wisdom teeth interfering with the treatment.
Decay or Gum Disease:
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. As a result, they are more susceptible to decay or gum disease. If these issues are not manageable with regular dental care, extraction may be necessary.
Cysts or Tumors:
In rare cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially leading to more serious health concerns. Removing the impacted teeth can be necessary to address these conditions.
At What Age Should I Do the Extraction?
Dentists typically recommend removing wisdom teeth during the teenage years when the roots are not fully developed. This reduces the risk of complications, such as nerve injury. Younger individuals also tend to tolerate the procedure better because bone quality and healing ability decline with age. Therefore, early removal is often preferred by dentists.
Will Having Them Removed Hurt?
Before removing your wisdom teeth, your dentist at Dentudio Dentists will discuss the procedure and recovery with you during a consultation. The experience of removing wisdom teeth can vary from person to person. The procedure itself is typically not painful because it is performed under anesthesia.
During the recovery period after the extraction, some discomfort is expected as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience swelling, soreness, and mild pain in the area. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to manage the pain and promote healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers are commonly used to alleviate the discomfort.
In some cases, complications may occur, leading to more discomfort or pain. For instance, if the wisdom tooth is impacted (not fully erupted), the extraction may require more extensive surgery and, consequently, a longer recovery period.
It's essential to follow your dentist instructions and take any prescribed pain medications as directed to ensure a smooth recovery process. While some people may experience minimal discomfort, others may have more soreness, but the goal of the dentist is to ensure that the extraction process is as painless and comfortable as possible.
Feel free to ask any questions or express any concerns you have about your wisdom teeth during your visit to Dentudio Dentists in Richmond. We are here to help and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral health.
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