Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth and typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth removal is a standard procedure, but not everyone needs it. In this article, we discuss the signs you need your wisdom teeth removed.
Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
As we mentioned earlier, some people can live their whole life with healthy wisdom teeth. In this case, they do not need to be removed. However, wisdom teeth are notorious for causing various issues, which typically prompt their removal.
Infected Wisdom Teeth
Cavities in wisdom teeth can be treated with dental fillings just like in any other teeth. However, wisdom teeth often become infected because their location and position in the mouth make it challenging to clean them properly on a daily basis. As a result, even if your wisdom teeth get treated, there is a high risk of reinfection, and your dentist might recommend removing the teeth instead.
Advanced Decay in Wisdom Teeth
If a wisdom tooth requires a root canal treatment and a dental crown due to advanced decay, it is typically recommended to remove it rather than retain it. An extraction procedure can be less expensive and time-consuming in the long run, especially if wisdom teeth do not serve the chewing function and are challenging to clean properly.
Impacted or Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that are completely hidden underneath the gum tissue and can not erupt to the surface are called impacted. If only part of the tooth erupts to the surface and the rest remains hidden under the gum, it is called a partially impacted wisdom tooth.
Both these conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and gum inflammation. Additionally, partially impacted wisdom teeth are susceptible to infections and decay. Impacted and partially impacted wisdom teeth are typically removed.
Preparation for an Orthodontic Treatment
Often, wisdom teeth are removed before an orthodontic treatment to create sufficient space in the mouth for the other teeth to move.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
In some cases, TMJ disorder can be associated with orthodontic issues caused by wisdom teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth are removed to make TMJ disorder treatment more effective.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
In the majority of cases, the wisdom teeth removal procedure does not cause significant discomfort or pain due to the use of a local anesthetic. The anesthetic is injected into the gum before the procedure, numbing the area around the tooth and blocking pain and other sensations.
You can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling for several days after the procedure. However, it can typically be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses. In some cases, post-procedure discomfort is minimal and resolves quickly; in others, it can be more noticeable and last longer, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Can I Have All My Wisdom Teeth Removed in One Visit?
It is possible to have all four of your wisdom teeth removed in one visit, which can save time and offer the advantage of undergoing only one recovery process. However, your doctor might consider a staged approach more appropriate if the removal procedure is not straightforward, due to wisdom teeth being impacted, or if there are risks associated with longer procedures or higher doses of anesthetic.
Get a Stress-Free Tooth Extraction at OC Dental Specialists
If you need a wisdom teeth removal procedure, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist at OC Dental Specialists. At our dental office, we strive to provide a stress-free tooth extraction experience for our patients.