Why would I need wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars and the last permanent teeth to erupt through your gums in the very back of your mouth. Typically, wisdom teeth appear when you’re 17-25 years old, although some people never develop them at all.
It’s possible that your wisdom teeth erupt naturally, like all your other teeth, without issue. However, many people don’t have room for their wisdom teeth, so they become impacted, meaning they’re unable to erupt and can cause pain and dental issues. Your dentist at Montrose Dental Group takes X-rays to determine if you have wisdom teeth and if you need to have them extracted to avoid potential problems.
What problems can develop from impacted wisdom teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, including:
- Tooth and jaw pain
- Tooth decay around a partially erupted molar
- A cyst around the impacted tooth
- Infection or gum disease around the tooth
- Future dental complications or surgeries
- Areas where food gets easily caught
- Bite problems
Your dentist keeps a close watch on developing wisdom teeth when you come in for routine cleanings and biannual X-rays. If there’s a potential problem developing, they advise you when to schedule a wisdom teeth extraction.
When is the best time to extract wisdom teeth?
Once the roots of your wisdom teeth fully form, it’s more difficult to extract them than if just the top portion of your molars are developed. When your dentist at Montrose Dental Group notices the third molars beginning to form, they may recommend that you extract them sooner rather than later for a less-complicated surgery. Removing just the crowns of your wisdom teeth is a simpler procedure with a shorter recovery period.
What can I expect during wisdom teeth extraction?
The highly skilled team of dentists at Montrose Dental Group take extra care for your comfort during wisdom teeth extraction. They perform this procedure while you’re under either local or general anesthesia so you don’t experience any pain or discomfort. As with all dental procedures they perform, the dentists are gentle and compassionate so you know what to expect during and after surgery.
Your dentist makes a small incision in your gums to remove each wisdom tooth, then sometimes stitches the wound to promote healing. After the extraction, you may have gauze in your mouth to keep bleeding to a minimum and to help a clot form. The dental team provides you with aftercare instructions so you can heal as quickly as possible.
Although you won’t be able to eat hard, solid foods for a day or two, you can usually manage any pain or discomfort with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Call the office to schedule a consultation to get a professional evaluation of your wisdom teeth.
