Your Ultimate Guide to the Wisdom Teeth Removal: From Start to Finish

 The removal of wisdom teeth is a common oral surgery that is often performed as a preventive measure to avoid future complications related to mal-alignments or impacted teeth. Although many people believe that getting wisdom teeth is a rare occurrence, they are actually the third molars and most individuals will have them emerge in their early or late twenties. However, some people may never develop wisdom teeth due to differences in diet from our ancestors. Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to chew on hard, uncooked foods, which are no longer a major part of our modern diet.

While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications that require the attention of an experienced dentist. If you suspect that you may have issues with your wisdom teeth, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible.

While some people's wisdom teeth are healthy and properly aligned, many others experience discomfort when these teeth emerge. Pain, swelling, cavities, and gum disease are among the problems that can occur, largely because:

  • Wisdom teeth can become impacted in the gums or jawbone, as they are located far back in the mouth.
  • Malalignment are common with wisdom teeth, and they may cause bites or put pressure on other teeth, which can result in damage to the jawbone or nerves.
  • There may not be enough room in the mouth for an extra set of molars.
  • The far-back position of wisdom teeth makes them difficult to clean, leading to gum disease and cavities.

  • To identify issues with wisdom teeth, there are some signs you may notice such as tooth pain at the back of the mouth, food getting stuck around them, and gum problems. However, your dentist may also notice tooth decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth, cysts, and damage to the jaw or surrounding teeth. Regular appointments with an experienced dentist are important as they can identify signs that you may have missed.

    If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or your dentist has noticed issues, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. It is easier to extract them when they have recently erupted as the bone is less dense. However, due to their position, mal-alignments can make it a bit challenging, which is why you need an experienced dental surgeon. Your dentist may advise you to remove them preventively during a regular checkup to avoid future complications.

  • The procedure for removing wisdom teeth involves several steps. Firstly, a thorough oral examination will be carried out, including X-rays and/or scans to determine the exact location of the wisdom teeth. It's essential to inform your dentist of any pre-existing health issues, allergies, medications, or supplements you are taking.

    The next step is to numb the area using local anaesthesia, and if needed, your dentist may offer sedation or other types of anaesthesia to help you relax during the surgery. The extraction surgery typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and in rare cases, it may take longer if there are complications.

    During the surgery, incisions will be made to expose the wisdom teeth, which may involve cutting the surrounding gums or bone if the teeth are not fully erupted or are mal-aligned. The wisdom teeth will then be loosened and extracted from the sockets, and the wound will be closed with dissolvable stitches.

  • Most people recover quickly and without any complications after wisdom teeth extraction. Mild pain and swelling are common, but typically resolve within three to four days. It is important to rest on the day of surgery and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. You will be given specific instructions by your dentist to follow for a speedy recovery. These may include using an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain, using moist heat after 36-48 hours to decrease soreness, eating soft and bland foods at room temperature, taking prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and brushing the rest of your teeth from the next day.

  • What not to do after wisdom teeth extraction:

    • Do not brush the area around the wound as it may dislodge blood clots.
    • Avoid using a straw or rinsing your mouth too strongly to prevent dislodging blood clots, which may delay healing.
    • Avoid hard, spicy, and very hot foods.

    If you experience a fever, excessive pain or swelling, oozing from the wound, worsening swelling, facial numbness, or any other abnormal symptoms, contact your dentist.

    What is the best age for wisdom teeth removal? The ideal age for removing troublesome wisdom teeth is when they start causing problems, usually in the early 20s or late teens when the teeth are still forming, making extraction easier. It's recommended to have them removed as soon as possible to prevent complications from malalignment or other issues that can occur at an early stage.

    To conclude, wisdom teeth removal is a common and safe oral surgery that should be performed by an experienced dentist in a well-equipped dental office. At Morgan Hill Dentistry, we offer our patients the best facilities and expert care for wisdom teeth removal to maintain great oral health. Contact us to schedule an appointment. Read more



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Importance Of Regular Dental Check-ups And Cleanings For Maintaining Oral Health

Image
  It's crucial for people to acknowledge the significance of oral health, which can impact overall health and vice versa. Regular dental check-ups are vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and to detect any signs of general health issues. These check-ups typically involve both a dental examination and cleaning. Research shows that individuals who go for routine dental check-ups have better overall oral health, cleaner teeth, and fewer instances of dental caries and tooth loss. Dental problems can be extremely painful, but they can be avoided by scheduling regular visits to your dentist. Benefits of Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings Early Detection of Oral Health Problems Regular dental check-ups help in the early detection of oral health problems. During a dental exam, the dentist examines your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, loose teeth, impacted teeth, and other issues. The dentist may also take x-rays to detect any problems that cannot be seen with the naked
Read more

Oral Health- A Key to Overall Health

Image
Introduction   Studies prove that there’s a close relationship between oral health and the overall wellness of a person. There are far many vital roles that Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to  dental specialists  play other than protecting you from  cavities . We usually tend to ignore our health while giving attention to other avenues of life. Gum disease is known to have a link with a host of illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Research has shown that gum disease is one of the contributing factors to heart disease and people with gum disease are more likely to have a stroke. Though Gum disease is the most common chronic inflammatory condition in the world, it is often a silent disease. Being an entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, Our mouth can act as a doorway for an infection to enter.  The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, due to ongoing inflammation in the mouth which may lead to more
Read more

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Image
  Overview Dental implants  these days have become a go-to procedure by dentists for replacing missing teeth because of their many benefits like helping to restore tooth function and aesthetics.  The screw that is placed inside the jawbone is made of titanium, a biocompatible material, meaning that it is compatible with the human body.   A crown is placed on top of it to replace the missing teeth after the screw gets integrated with the jaw bone. This helps to restore the normal functioning of the mouth. Tooth restoration in the past was mostly limited to dentures and dental bridges, which remain greatly popular even today. However, dentures and bridges have been there for many decades now, their safety is not questioned.  With  Dental Implants  having fast become a popular tooth replacement option these days, questions like whether  dental implants  are safe for everyone or are there any circumstances where  dental implants  should not be used, are imperative to cross everyone’s mind.
Read more