Overview
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Impaction:
Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge through the gums due to lack of space or obstruction by other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth if left untreated.
Crowding:
The presence of wisdom teeth can contribute to overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment of other teeth and orthodontic issues.
Infection and Decay:
Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and infections in the surrounding tissues.
Cysts and Tumors:
In some cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, causing pain and potential damage to nearby structures.
Signs or Symptoms I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed
Signs that may indicate the need for wisdom teeth removal include:
- Persistent or recurrent pain in the back of the mouth
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums around the wisdom teeth
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing properly
- Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Crowding or shifting of other teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a dentist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
What to Expect When Getting My Wisdom Teeth Removed
Before the procedure, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination, including X-rays, to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia at Cornerstone Family Dentistry to get you back to life sooner than with IV sedation, and with less financial burden!
During the extraction, your dentist will carefully remove the wisdom teeth from their sockets in the jawbone. Small incisions may need to be made in the gums to access the teeth properly. Once we remove the teeth, we will clean the extraction site and if necessary close the area with sutures. We may place gauze to help control bleeding and promote healing.
Wisdom Teeth Aftercare
- Avoiding strenuous activities and eating soft foods for the first few days
- Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the extraction sites clean
- Avoiding smoking and using straws, as these activities can dislodge blood clots and delay healing
- Following up with your dentist for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary
