Wisdom teeth or third molars, are located in the very back of your mouth and may not require extraction if they are:

• Healthy.

• Integrated (fully erupted).

• They are in the proper position and using their opposing teeth to bite.

• Capable of cleaning as part of routine hygiene procedures.

However, wisdom teeth frequently lack enough space to develop normally, leading to issues. The benefits of wisdom teeth removal include the following:

• Opening up the jaw and preventing crowding.

• Ensuring that impacted teeth don’t harm the gums or nearby molars.

• Lowering the risk of oral infections and other oral health issues.

The following is a more in-depth look at the reasons to consider impacted wisdom teeth treatment.

When Is Removal Needed?

Wisdom teeth need to be removed when they cause issues or when X-rays indicate they could in the future. Other grounds to remove them include the following:

• Damage to other teeth: Extra molars can force your other teeth into an uncomfortable position and affect your bite.

• Jaw damage: Cysts may develop around newly erupted teeth. They can hollow out your jaw and harm your nerves if not treated.

• Problems with wisdom teeth can cause pain, pressure, and sinus congestion.

• Gum tissue that is inflamed may swell and be challenging to clean.

• Cavities: Inflamed gums can form pockets between teeth that encourage the growth of bacteria and lead to cavities.

• Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd other teeth and even necessitate orthodontic treatment for other teeth.

Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

During a routine examination, a dentist will determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist will decide by considering the shape of your mouth and the positioning of your teeth. Your age is also important. Different types of anesthesia, such as local or conscious sedation, have negligible risks. Depending on the patient and whether a dentist or an oral surgeon is removing the teeth, a different type of anesthesia will be used.

The post-operative risk of removing your wisdom teeth includes a “dry socket,” i.e., when a blood clot at the operative site is expelled before the bone and tissue fully recover. If a patient abstains from spitting, smoking, or sucking a straw right after surgery, it is “very avoidable.” The likelihood of a “dry socket” is higher in biological females. Bleeding at the tooth extraction site is common, and biting on wet gauze or tea bags should stop excessive bleeding. After surgery, a patient should only consume soft foods for the first 2 to 3 days. Depending on the patient’s feelings, a typical recovery from wisdom tooth removal takes three to seven days.

In the End

Still not willing to give up your teeth? You can ask your dentist to describe their observations of your teeth. In many circumstances, you can postpone deciding for a few months to see if circumstances change. However, it may be necessary to have a second opinion if you experience pain, swelling, or an unpleasant odor close to your back teeth. Get your impacted wisdom teeth treatment at St John’s, NL.