Yardley wisdom teeth removals happen almost every day. The procedure is straightforward and mostly painless, especially when performed by an expert dentist from Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery. No matter your age, wisdom tooth removal is a wise choice for your oral health.
Your Wisdom Teeth
The term “wisdom teeth” refers to the third molars. They are the last permanent teeth to come out of the gums and are medically redundant. Like your appendix, your wisdom teeth are unnecessary and can potentially cause harm if not dealt with properly.
Some people never grow wisdom teeth, but for those that do– the teeth usually erupt from the gums by age 25. This eruption often pushes against the existing molars causing complications and pain. If not removed, wisdom teeth can lead to long-term tooth damage and infection.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Like any other dental procedure, no two wisdom teeth removals are the same– as everyone’s mouth is slightly different. However, most removals follow a general framework.
First, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums to expose them. If there is bone covering them, the dentist will remove it. Next, they are broken into small pieces to make it easier, and then they are taken out bit by bit. The dentist will finish by thoroughly cleaning the extraction site, apply stitches as needed, and pack the wounds with gauze.
Recovery Post-Removal
Most patients completely recover from wisdom tooth removal within a week, some even sooner. The most important thing to remember is to follow your dentist’s instructions throughout your recovery. This is to prevent complications and help your mouth heal as quickly as possible.
Most dentists will instruct patients to rest for at least a day after surgery and then limit physical activity for a week. Other common instructions include:
- Eat only soft foods
- Take over the counter medications as needed for pain management
- Rinse the mouth and surgical site with warm salt water after every meal
- Avoid spitting to reduce the risk of dislodging a blood clot
- No smoking or tobacco products of any kind
- Ice the affected area to reduce swelling and bruising
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Most people need their wisdom teeth removed as there isn’t enough room in their mouths for them to grow. The risks are much higher if they are impacted, meaning the teeth aren’t growing in the right direction.
If left alone, wisdom teeth can lead to serious pain when they erupt from the gums and create a whole host of complications like:
- Damage to the surrounding teeth and bone
- Infection
- Inflamed gums
- Fluid-filled cysts
- Tooth crowding
- Sinus pain and congestion
- Improper bite alignment
- Gum disease
These issues can get even worse when the wisdom teeth are impacted.
Most dentists recommend a wisdom tooth removal as early as possible. The procedure will be less painful. As the teeth grow and mature, the roots grow deeper into the jaw. The deeper the roots, the more painful the extraction. That’s why dentists ask all 16-year-olds to come in for wisdom tooth evaluations.
Call now
It’s best not to wait if you are having pain in your wisdom teeth or want to come in for an evaluation. The sooner the intervention, the better the outcome. Reach out to Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery today if you want to remove wisdom teeth in Yardley, PA, or have questions.