Thinking you may need a wisdom tooth extraction? Read on to learn more about this common dental procedure. Wisdom teeth are the molars at the rear of the mouth and typically the last ones to erupt. The wisdom teeth come in around the late adolescent years or early adulthood, but the time differs from patient to patient. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth erupt with no issues. However, more often than not, they cause complications and it is important to extract them as early as possible.
While wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, the process remains a mystery to many and fraught with dread and anxiety. Every year, about 10 million third molars are removed in the United States. Wisdom teeth are removed for preventive reasons, but a dentist might also recommend the procedure due to irreversible decay or fracture, incorrect eruption, or to make room on the jaw ahead of orthodontic treatment. The following are four things to know regarding wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth do not always come with complications; nevertheless, problems escalate as soon as they begin to cause oral health issues. When wisdom teeth cannot erupt or do not emerge correctly, they may cause damage to surrounding teeth and soft tissues, resulting in infection and swelling. If the infection is not addressed, such problems may lead to health complications like heart or kidney disease.
Aside from a serious cavity, fully erupted molars may also cause additional dental issues. Wisdom teeth are positioned at the very rear of the mouth, which makes them hard to reach when brushing or flossing the teeth.
Although wisdom teeth extraction often involves surgery, it is not painful. Local anesthetic is administered, and sedation options are available, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The dentist will ensure that the patient experiences little to no pain during the procedure.
Many dental professionals believe that the best time to remove wisdom teeth is before they have fully erupted. The age range for this treatment is typically between puberty and the late teenage years. When done early in life, the extraction process is simpler and comes with minimal side effects. The recovery process is typically easier, as well.
The absence of pain and inflammation is not always an indication that there is no issue with the wisdom teeth. Many individuals suffer serious wisdom teeth complications with no warning signs. The only way to be sure is to have regular dental exams so that the dentist can monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth and recommend extraction if any issue occurs.
Following wisdom tooth extraction, there is a recovery phase, after which you will be able to chew and use the teeth as usual. During recovery, you need to follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions and avoid certain habits that may cause complications. Please contact our dental office to book an appointment if you have any concerns regarding wisdom tooth extraction.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
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