Wisdom Teeth: Making Wise Moves
Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and harm to your other teeth. Find out some wise moves to make when you face the emergence of wisdom teeth.
What to Expect When Dealing With Wisdom Teeth
If wisdom teeth emerge, it is important to monitor them closely and seek advice from a dentist or oral surgeon. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Pain or Discomfort
It is common to experience some pain or discomfort as wisdom teeth emerge. Over-the-counter pain relievers or applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help to alleviate the pain.
Infection
If wisdom teeth partially emerge or are impacted, it can be difficult to clean around them and they may be more prone to infection. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular checkups.
Crowding
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the other teeth, which can lead to bite problems and the need for orthodontic treatment. Your dentist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth to prevent these issues.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that do not fully emerge from the gums and can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Your dentist may recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth to prevent these issues.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a general dentist.
Initial consultation
The dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine the position of the wisdom teeth and whether they need to be removed. They will also discuss the procedure, the anesthesia options, and the risks and benefits with you.
Anesthesia
Before the procedure, the dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or put you to sleep, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your preference.
Extraction
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist will use special tools to loosen the tooth from its socket in the gum and then remove it. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
Stitches
If necessary, the dentist may place stitches to close the gum tissue around the extraction site and promote healing.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will be given instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including how to manage any pain or swelling. You may be advised to avoid certain foods or activities for a few days while the extraction site heals.
Wisdom tooth removal is a routine procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Speak to your dentist to learn more.