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Our Vernon dentists explain the problems wisdom teeth can cause, the benefits of wisdom teeth removal, what the procedure involves, and how this dental surgery can help you feel better.
What are wisdom teeth?
Most people grow a third set of molars between the ages of 17 and 25, and if they come in straight and healthy, they can be an asset. But occasionally, these teeth become impacted or malpositioned and need to be extracted.
We can help prevent issues with your oral health in the future by removing problematic wisdom teeth.
What problems can wisdom teeth cause?
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, crowded, or fail to fully erupt if they erupt in the incorrect positions or if there isn't enough room for them in your mouth. As they are impossible to clean when they are below the gum line, this can have negative effects on oral health. When they are crowded, it is challenging to reach them with a toothbrush and to properly floss.
They can also cause:
- Infection (which leads to pain)
- Difficulty chewing, biting or opening your mouth
- Bad breath
- Swelling in your jaw or face (potentially due to infection)
- In emergency situations: chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath
At Cornerstone Dental Group, we advise taking a preventive approach to remove wisdom teeth, since molars (especially third molars) are more vulnerable to dental problems than other teeth in your mouth.
What are the benefits of having problematic wisdom teeth removed?
Having your wisdom teeth removed can offer many benefits, including:
- Preventing infection or decay
- Preventing damage to other teeth
- Alleviating or lessening pain in your face and mouth
- Solving issues with bad breath
- Preventing the need for further dental or orthodontic work in the future
- Improving oral health
How will I feel better after having my wisdom teeth removed?
The removal of your wisdom teeth has numerous advantages for your oral health, is a very common procedure, and you can resume normal eating after a few days. By having this procedure done right away, you can also avoid further discomfort brought on by impacted wisdom teeth or other problems.
You may also save time and money, as you may not need more time-consuming and costly dental or orthodontic work in years to come, thanks to eliminating the complications wisdom teeth can bring.
What does a wisdom tooth removal procedure involve?
Step 1: Anesthetic
First, the tooth and surrounding area will be made completely painless with a local anesthetic. Your dentist or surgeon may give you a sedative to help you relax if you are particularly anxious about your procedure; this usually involves an injection into your arm. Only in situations where the procedure is carried out in a hospital is a general anesthetic used.
Step 2: Removing the Tooth
A tiny cut or incision will be made if the tooth is still under the gum, and it may also be necessary to remove a small piece of the tooth's crown bone. To make it simpler to remove the tooth through the opening, your dentist or surgeon may cut it into smaller pieces.
If the tooth has emerged through the gum, there will be less need for an incision. Just before the tooth is removed, you’ll feel some pressure as the dentist or surgeon rocks the tooth back and forth, widening the socket, before the tooth is removed.
As your wisdom teeth are actually removed, you shouldn’t feel any pain as the anesthetic will have numbed the area. If this is painful for you, let the dentist or surgeon know so they can provide more anesthetic.
Simple wisdom teeth removal procedures can take up to 20 minutes, with complex procedures running longer.
What about recovery from wisdom teeth removal?
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. Dissolving stitches usually take between 7 and 10 days to dissolve, and a piece of gauze may be applied to the extraction site.
For roughly an hour, you'll be instructed to maintain pressure on it by biting your teeth together. This enables a blood clot to develop inside the vacant socket, aiding in the healing process. Antibiotics may be recommended for your infection.
For 24 hours after your procedure, you should avoid:
- Drinking hot liquids such as coffee or soup
- Rinsing your mouth out with liquid (which could dislodge the clot)
- Smoking or drinking alcohol (which could result in infection)
- Strenuous physical activity (which may encourage bleeding)
If you notice any problems or extreme soreness after your recovery period, book an appointment with your dentist so they can check the extraction site.