Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, they aren’t always so wise!
Wisdom teeth, so called because they come into your mouth when you are much older than all of your other teeth, and therefore are thought to be more “wise” can run into some problems along the way.
If your teeth are big, and your jaw is small, they simply wont fit. In these cases, they should be removed before they finish forming.
You might be wondering: why not let them form all the way and pull them if they cause a problem?
The reason is simple, if they are going to come in and be fine, our trained staff will tell you so and then monitor their progress as they come into the mouth. If they are not going to come in properly and get stuck (also called impacted), our staff will be able to tell because they have received special training in this particular field. When they see that a problem will arise in the future, they will recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed before the problem develops all the way.
When you remove the wisdom teeth as small “buds”, the roots have not formed yet and the entire tooth is still small since it never finished forming. If you let the tooth form all the way, you will have large roots to extract as well and the healing process will be much more memorable.
If your wisdom teeth are starting to bother you, give our office a call to have our trained dentists look.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Everything You Need to Know
At Benavent Dental, we understand that wisdom teeth removal can seem daunting and unfamiliar to many patients. That's why we're here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about this common dental procedure. In this article, we'll cover the purpose of wisdom teeth, the need for removal, the process itself, and what to expect during recovery.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. These teeth were once useful for our ancestors who required the extra chewing power to break down tough foods. However, with the evolution of our diets and changes in jaw size, many people's mouths no longer have sufficient space to accommodate these extra teeth.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal is Necessary
When there isn't enough space for wisdom teeth to grow in properly, various dental issues can arise. Some common problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth include:
1. Crowding: Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the surrounding teeth, leading to misalignment and overcrowding.
2. Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth may develop at an angle or get trapped beneath the gumline. This can cause pain, infection, and even damage to adjacent teeth.
3. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Due to their location at the back of the mouth, it can be challenging to clean wisdom teeth properly. This can result in tartar buildup, tooth decay, and an increased risk of gum disease.
4. Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors, causing bone and tooth damage.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Before the procedure, our experienced dental team will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on your specific situation, we will recommend whether extraction is necessary.
When it comes to the extraction process, you can rest assured that you'll be in capable hands.
During the extraction, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue if required and remove any bone blocking access to the tooth. Then, they will extract the wisdom tooth and suture the incision closed, if needed. The duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of the case and the number of teeth being removed.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following your wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and possibly mild bruising around the extraction site. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include:
1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help alleviate any post-operative discomfort.
2. Oral Hygiene: Gentle rinsing with warm saltwater and careful brushing around the extraction site are essential for clean healing.
3. Dietary Considerations: Stick to a soft diet and avoid chewing near the extraction site for a few days to promote healing.
4. Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits will ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.
Your Trusted Partners at Benavent Dental
If you're experiencing wisdom tooth pain, suspect impacted wisdom teeth, or simply want to explore your options, our compassionate dental professionals are here to help. At Benavent Dental, we're committed to providing personalized care and ensuring your comfort throughout the wisdom teeth removal process.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your oral health needs and learn more about how our skilled team can address your wisdom teeth concerns. Remember, proactive care and timely extractions can save you from potential oral health complications later on.