Wisdom Teeth removal

Wisdom teeth are the third molars in your mouth and the last permanent teeth to erupt. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the third molars in your mouth and the last permanent teeth to erupt. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For the lucky few, some never develop wisdom teeth, or they erupt normally and cause no issues. For others, they experience what is called impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause a variety of problems in your mouth.

Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Emergency dentistry is a type of dental care that provides immediate treatment for sudden, unexpected oral health emergencies. It typically involves treating injuries or infections to the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Emergency dental care should not be used as a substitute for regular preventive dental exams and cleanings. Still, giving patients access to fast relief from urgent oral health problems is essential.

How Do I Know If I Have a Dental Emergency?

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you must get the treatment you need as soon as possible. Common signs of a dental emergency may include:

Higher risk for tooth decay:

Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean because of the position in which they erupt. Food and bacteria stay trapped between the gum and the impacted tooth, no matter how thoroughly you brush.

Overcrowding and damage to surrounding teeth:

If your wisdom tooth applies force against the second molar as it erupts, damage can be done to the second molar, which increases the risk of infection. The pressure from your wisdom tooth can also cause overcrowding of the other teeth or cause an abnormal bite to form, requiring orthodontic treatment to fix. For some, the jaw is simply too small to accommodate all the teeth.

Cyst developing in the jawbone:

There is a sac in the jawbone in which the wisdom tooth develops. The sac can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can cause damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. In some serious cases, a benign tumor may even form. At this point, the removal of tissue and bone might be necessary.

Higher risk of developing gum disease:

Since thorough dental hygiene is more difficult with wisdom teeth, there's an increased risk of developing pericoronitis, a painful and inflammatory gum condition.

Before the Procedure

It’s understandable to feel anxious about extracting your wisdom teeth, but removing them is best to avoid headaches and consistent pain in the back of your mouth. It is best to have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as they begin to develop. The wisdom teeth roots aren’t yet fully developed when you’re young. This makes the procedure a bit easier on your surgeon and helps with a quicker recovery time. Before deciding to remove wisdom teeth, your dentist will assess your mouth and take X-rays.

Emergency Dentistry

After the Procedure

Your surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions. You will be advised to eat soft foods for a few days and clean out the extraction site after each meal. A syringe will be provided for you to fill with water and flush out any food particles stuck at the extraction site. This is the best way to prevent alveolar osteitis, also known as a dry socket. Blood clots form when a tooth is removed from a healthy socket, and the healing process begins. Dry sockets happen when the healing process is hindered in some way. You may have developed a dry socket if you notice any extreme pain or sensitivity after your procedure. This condition requires immediate treatment by your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth removal