Overview of wisdom teeth and why they can become impacted
Wisdom teeth extraction is essential in protecting your oral health – if not removed, impacted wisdom may cause intense pain and damage other healthy teeth. Additionally, jaw overcrowding or adjacent tissue infection are other risks posed by neglected wisdom teeth. Therefore, dental surgery must be performed to prevent these issues from occurring.
Take preventative measures and safeguard yourself from more severe dental issues by having your wisdom teeth extracted if they are severely decayed or misaligned. By removing these problem-causing molars, you can ensure that your oral health remains optimal for years.
Reasons for extraction
Wisdom teeth can be a serious cause for concern if left unaddressed, as impacted wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding of the jaw and pain. To prevent any further issues from occurring, extraction may be the best option. Furthermore, it is advisable to remove your wisdom teeth if they grow at an angle that could affect adjacent teeth or exhibit signs of decay that cannot be treated with traditional restorative methods such as fillings.
Benefits of having wisdom tooth extraction done
Wisdom tooth extraction is a minor surgery with significant benefits: improved oral hygiene, less pain due to overcrowding, and increased overall dental health. By removing wisdom teeth, you can also protect your other healthy teeth from any potential damage or decay caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
Steps involved in the procedure
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 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 severe 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.
Pain management after the procedure
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is crucial to managing 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 not extracting impacted 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 severe 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!
