Your wisdom teeth have nothing to do with how clever you are, which is just as well, because 85% of people will need their wisdom teeth removed at some point. Read on to find out more about these potentially problematic teeth.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed So Often?
The most common reason for needing to remove wisdom teeth is simply that there isn’t enough space in the mouth and jaw to accommodate four large extra teeth. Wisdom teeth generally begin to appear during the teenage years. So, it’s incredibly important to keep up with dental visits during this period. It is because several issues can arise while wisdom teeth are growing. Your dentist will need to keep a close eye on your mouth to ensure that you don’t suffer any unpleasant effects. If you notice your teeth are beginning to overlap or move out of place, you definitely need a check-up with your dentist. When wisdom teeth come in, they can physically shift the position of the rest of your teeth. It leads to that previously straight smile suddenly turning slightly skewed. It can result in a need for orthodontic treatments such as braces – something that can potentially be avoided if your wisdom teeth are removed in time.
How Do I Know If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In addition to visible signs that you may benefit from wisdom tooth extraction, another clear indicator that you may need your wisdom teeth removed is that you’re in pain. Swelling and tenderness around your jaw area and at the back of your mouth can mean that your wisdom teeth are struggling to find space or are becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth grow under the gum line. This not only causes other teeth to shift position but also causes extreme discomfort around the back of your mouth.
How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Infected?
A further reason that you may need your wisdom teeth removed is that they could become infected. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant taste or smell around the back of your mouth, it could be a sign of infection. Infected wisdom teeth can cause intense pain. It also results in the infection spreading beyond your mouth. Sinus infections, for example, often occur in tandem with wisdom tooth infections. Signs to watch out for include pain not only in the back of your mouth and around your jaw but also a sore throat, sinus pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
What Happens When I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain or frequent infections, your dentist may very well recommend having your wisdom teeth removed. At Crown Dental, we know that the thought of dental surgery can be scary. So, we ensure that every procedure is fully explained in detail and that every patient receives a treatment plan that suits their specific needs in terms of both dealing with anxiety and providing pain relief. Wisdom tooth extraction can be done under a local or general anesthetic, depending on your preference and pain tolerance.
What Happens After I Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The recovery period for wisdom tooth extraction is different for everyone. But you should notice a significant decrease in pain and swelling approximately three days after your removal surgery. It is recommended that you eat soft foods during your recovery period, so stock up on soup and smoothies. Also, avoid anything hard or crunchy. Ensuring that you maintain good after-care is critical. Your dentist will provide detailed information on how to keep the extraction sites clean and free from infection. It is of the utmost importance that you follow these instructions. Several nasty conditions can develop if your extraction site is not cared for properly. It can take approximately six weeks for the extraction sites to heal and close fully. You can return to eating solid food as soon as you can chew without pain. It is very important to ensure that no food particles become trapped in the extraction sites as they close.
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