If a wisdom tooth is causing you pain, then Modern Family Dentists, LLC can provide the safest, most comfortable extraction process you are ever likely to experience.
Wisdom teeth are a little more complicated in all aspects – from their growth right down to their extraction – so let’s take a closer look at them…
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last 4 adult teeth to come through after your child teeth have all gone. They grow through your gums at the back – typically between your late teens and early twenties.
At this stage in life your other 28 adult teeth are usually fully grown and established, meaning there often isn’t enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to grow properly. When your wisdom teeth grow, they can often come through at an awkward angle against your existing back teeth, or get stuck, meaning they only partially emerge.
Wisdom teeth that grow like this are known as impacted, and this is the most common cause of pain caused by wisdom teeth. However, some people get lucky and experience little to no pain.
When should I see my dentist about my wisdom teeth?
Some people only experience mild discomfort when their wisdom teeth are emerging, and are able to cope comfortably without the need for dental intervention.
However, if you experiencing extreme pain and discomfort, you should make an appointment with Modern Family Dentists LLC right away. There is no need for you to suffer when your wisdom teeth are emerging, and our fantastic wisdom tooth removal procedure can ensure you are pain-free as soon as possible.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted but not causing you pain, there is often no need to remove them as this can lead to further complications. It is only necessary to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing severe pain.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
The main reason is due to the pain caused when wisdom teeth emerge. If they become impacted but do not cause pain, then there is usually no reason for them to be removed.
There are certain circumstances where removal would be beneficial even if they’re not causing you pain. If your wisdom teeth have only partially emerged through the gum, then food particles and bacteria can get trapped on the edge of the teeth. This can cause a build-up of plaque, leading to:
- Tooth decay – when plaque starts to break down the tooth’s surface. This can eventually start to affect your other teeth.
- Gum disease – plaque can release toxins that irritate your gums, which can leave them swollen, red and painful. As with tooth decay, gum disease can start to affect your other teeth.
- Cellulitis – this is a bacterial infection in the tongue, cheek or throat.
- Pericoronitis – an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth cause by plaque
- Abscess – when a bacterial infection causes a build-up of pus in your wisdom tooth or teeth.
What happens during a wisdom tooth removal?
As wisdom teeth are a little more complicated than your regular teeth, it’s not simply a case of extracting them right away. We will assess your particular situation and will almost always need to take an X-ray of your mouth to get a clearer view of how your wisdom teeth are emerging and how they’re positioned in your mouth.
If we find it’s necessary to remove your wisdom teeth, you will be sedated using the most suitable sedation method for you to allow us to make the removal procedure as comfortable as possible.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gums along the wisdom teeth. The bones that block access to the teeth are removed and the teeth are then broken up into pieces. The site is then cleared of tooth and bone debris and cleaned thoroughly to ensure no bacteria will be sealed in the incision. Once clear of debris and bacteria, the areas where the teeth and bones were are stitched closed to promote healing.
We use dissolving stitches which dissolve over a time period of two to four weeks as the area heals. You will be given very specific and special care instructions after the procedure and it is imperative that you follow our instructions. You may be given pain medication depending on the level of pain you experience after the procedure.
How long is the healing process?
Considering a wisdom tooth extraction is essentially an oral surgery procedure, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they heal. Recovery time for a wisdom tooth extraction ranges from four days to one week, with very little remaining healing after the stitches dissolve.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain and need to be extracted, be sure to make an appointment with Modern Family Dentists LLC right away. We offer comparatively low rates for this typically expensive procedure, and always ensure the most comfortable experience possible.