Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Dentist Peoria, AZ
 Wisdom teeth are the last set to emerge in the back of your mouth. They are also known as third molars. Some people might experience no pain with their wisdom teeth. Conversely, others face serious dental issues and might require wisdom teeth extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
People typically start to see wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25. Compared to other types of teeth, wisdom teeth typically appear during early adulthood. Most people have four wisdom teeth, which are found on the top and bottom of their jaw. However, some people have more, while others have less, or none at all.
Wisdom teeth benefitted our ancestors, who had larger jaws and a diet that required more chewing than nowadays. Today, these teeth often lack the space to grow properly, leading to potential issues. This can be a result of the overall changes within our diets.
Signs You Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed. However, certain signs and symptoms can indicate the need for extraction.
Pain and Discomfort
Constant pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth is probably the most obvious sign that leads to wisdom tooth extraction. This pain is usually caused by the pressure of the wisdom teeth when they push against other teeth.
Swelling and Infection
Gum and jaw swelling are other signs that lead to wisdom teeth extraction. If your wisdom teeth partially appear, bacteria can enter your gums, leading to gum disease in the long term. Symptoms of infection include swelling, redness, or a foul odor or taste in the mouth.
Crowding
Crowding is another sign that you require wisdom teeth extraction. This happens when your wisdom teeth force other teeth to move out of their fixed place. Crowding can exacerbate bite problems or reverse orthodontic work, resulting in more dental problems.
Cyst Formation
Sometimes, your wisdom teeth lead to cyst formation around the impacted teeth. This can severely damage your jawbone and might require surgical intervention.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Removal of wisdom teeth has many benefits. This is especially the case for people facing the issues mentioned above. Some of these benefits include:
Prevention of Dental Problems
By removing problematic wisdom teeth, you can prevent future dental issues. Some issues you can avoid include cavities, gum disease, tooth misalignment, and infections.
Reduced Risk of Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an infection that can cause pain, swelling, and more severe health complications if left untreated. However, you can avoid pericoronitis altogether by having your wisdom teeth extracted promptly.
Reduction of Pain
Wisdom teeth extraction provides much-needed pain relief for people with impacted wisdom teeth. This can improve an individual's overall quality of life.
Preparing for Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If the dentist recommends wisdom tooth extraction, you must prepare properly to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.
Consultation and Evaluation
Before the extraction,we will schedule a consultation. We will take X-rays to analyze the position of your wisdom teeth and proceed with the best approach for removal.
Discussing Health History
We will ask you to provide a comprehensive health history. This includes any medications you are taking, allergies you may have, and past medical conditions. This information is crucial for planning the procedure and ensuring your safety.
Planning for Recovery
Ask someone to drive you home after the procedure. The after-effects of sedation or anesthesia will make it unsafe for you to drive. Plan to rest and recover and take a few days off from school or work.
Preparing Your Home
Eat plenty of soft meals that will be convenient to consume after surgery. These include food items like soups, applesauce, and yogurt. Apply ice on the swollen area, and make sure you have your any medications prescribed for you.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Here are a few things you can expect to undergo during the wisdom teeth extraction process:
Types of Anesthesia
A wisdom tooth extraction may be done under general anesthesia, sedation, or local anesthetic. The intricacy of the extraction and your degree of comfort will determine the kind of anesthetic you need. During your appointment, the dentist will review the best action for you.
The Extraction Process
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Incision and Exposure: If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone.
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Bone Removal: In some cases, bone blocking access to the tooth root must be removed.
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Tooth Division: If the tooth is difficult to extract in one piece, it may be divided into sections for easier removal.
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Tooth Removal: The tooth is then carefully removed. This process is simpler and faster for erupted teeth.
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Cleaning the Site: After the tooth is removed, the site is cleaned of debris from the tooth or bone.
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Stitches: The dentist may place stitches to help the healing process, which will dissolve over time. |
Post-Extraction Care
Following the procedure, you'll receive specific instructions on how to care for your mouth. This typically includes:
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Managing Pain: Pain management techniques include the use of prescription drugs or over-the-counter pain medicines. You can also lessen swelling by placing cold packs on the outside of your cheek.
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Diet: Only consume soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could cause irritation on the extraction site.
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Oral Hygiene: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to maintain cleanliness. Do not scrub or rinse the extraction site aggressively.
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Activity: Rest and avoid high-intensity exercise for a few days to promote quick healing. |
Book Your Appointment Today
While uncommon, wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires careful consideration and preparation. However, recognizing the signs that extraction is necessary and knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure ensures a smoother experience and a faster recovery.
Desertview Dental Care are experts at wisdom teeth extraction. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Kabbani in Peoria, AZ goes above and beyond to ensure our patients leave our practice satisfied. Book your appointment today by calling us at 623-278-9402. |
