Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting wisdom teeth removed early can be a wise move indeed – with persistent pain, teeth alignment issues, damage to gums and the potential of infection – these are just some reasons as to why people may need to undergo a wisdom teeth removal procedure.
These wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars, erupt in the back four corners of the mouth, usually between the young adult ages of 17 to 21.
There can be complications with wisdom teeth, where some can fail to fully come through the gum bed, causing the teeth to become impacted or create other problems with alignment.
This wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
It will most likely cause tooth decay in the tooth in front of it.
Are wisdom teeth always a problem?
No. It depends on the situation and many people with well-positioned wisdom teeth can benefit from their presence.
Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Some of the reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed include:
- Gum infections
- Poor position, which causes problems with other teeth or gums
- Difficulty in keeping them clean
- Decay
Are wisdom teeth difficult to remove?
The procedure for removing your wisdom teeth will depend on how deeply impacted they are as well as the root structure of your teeth. Many wisdom teeth can be extracted simply like any other molar. Upper wisdom teeth are often one of the easiest teeth to remove.
What are the potential risks?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Providing your dentist with a full medical history and current medications and recently stopped medications helps to prevent complications and plan surgical procedures. The risks depend on your individual mouth and medical history and will be outlined by your dentist at your wisdom teeth consultation.
What happens after I get them out?
The most important thing to do is to take it easy for the rest of the day. A great excuse to sit down and relax all day!
After a local anaesthetic, it takes several hours before feeling returns to your jaw. Take special care not to chew on the area or have any hot food or drinks, as you may not be able to feel any injury to the area such as a burn.
Your dentist may also want to review you after a week to see how it is healing and remove any stitches if required. Some people may have facial bruising after the procedure that can take 1-2 weeks to resolve.
