Wisdom teeth extraction may sound scary, but it is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Wisdom teeth often come in crooked, fail to erupt above the gumline, or crowd your other teeth which makes removal necessary for most people. Nearly 85% of people will require extraction which makes this a very common procedure and not one to be feared.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. Located in the very back of your mouth, they are your last permanent teeth to grow in. It is generally accepted that humans once required these teeth in order to grind down harder foods. As our diets have changed and food is less of a battle, these teeth no longer serve a purpose.
It is most common for you to develop 4 wisdom teeth, with two at the top and two at the bottom. However, some people have more than this, less than this, or even none at all.
The main cause to remove wisdom teeth is that they can damage other teeth that are more important.
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Overcrowding: As your wisdom teeth form, they will put pressure on your other teeth and can prevent them from erupting.
- Infection: Sometimes wisdom teeth are partially impacted under the gum and turn into infections. Fully impacted wisdom teeth can turn into cysts.
What to Expect When You Remove Wisdom Teeth
Consultation
Wisdom teeth extraction will begin with a consultation and examination. Your dentist will visually inspect your teeth and also take a panoramic x-ray to get a complete view of your wisdom teeth.
Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you will either take an oral sedative or be given nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to dull pain during the procedure. If you are given an oral sedative, you will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment. The surgery itself will only last around 40 to 90 minutes. However, you should not plan to return to work or school on the same day since rest is required for healing to begin.
Post-Procedure
You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. While this can last for up to two weeks, most people begin to feel significantly better within two to three days. You will also be prescribed pain medication to manage your discomfort.
Schedule your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Consultation
At Marketplace Dentistry, we understand dental procedures like extraction can cause discomfort and anxiety.
We will work with you to make your treatment as easy and comfortable as possible. Call today to learn about what we can do for your dental health.
