Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a standard surgical procedure that is used to remove one or more wisdom teeth. It’s geared towards fixing or preventing dental problems with the last set of molars, the four permanent adult teeth at the back of the mouth.
If a wisdom tooth lacks enough space to grow, it can result in pain, infection, and other dental problems. Such a tooth is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. If it causes problems, extraction may be necessary. Fortunately, the procedure is considered safe, and it only takes about three days or so to recover.
Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
To know if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you can look for these signs:
- A tooth growing towards the next tooth (second molar)
- A tooth growing towards the back of your mouth
- A tooth growing at a right angle to other teeth
- A tooth growing up or down but trapped within the jawbone
If you’re suspecting that you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, you can visit your dentist for a professional examination and extraction.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth extraction
Impacted wisdom teeth removal can reduce the following side effects:
1. Pain and swelling in the jaw
Since an impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain and discomfort around the surrounding dental structures, removing it will ease the discomfort. It also alleviates pressure in the surrounding structures, reducing headaches, gum sensitivity, and tooth sensitivity.
2. Inflammation and infection
Due to limited space and partial impactions, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to gum inflammation, increasing the risk of serious gum diseases such as periodontal disease. Besides, a partially impacted wisdom tooth encourages bacteria growth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and infections.
3. Overcrowding
Overcrowding will not only affect your beautiful smile but can cause numerous dental problems. As a wisdom tooth erupts and tries to grow in a crowded space, it pushes the neighboring teeth aside, potentially leading to misalignments.
The pressure can also weaken or loosen the roots of the neighboring teeth or grind away the enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable to bone loss and cavities. The pressure caused by the impacted teeth can weaken and even loosen the roots of nearby teeth or grind away enamel, leaving neighboring teeth vulnerable to cavities and bone loss
4. Difficulty cleaning
Hard-to-reach dental locations are prime targets for cavities. Since impacted wisdom teeth will be difficult to clean, they can result in poor oral health. If the tooth is causing pain or discomfort, you may also avoid cleaning the surrounding area, which could encourage bacteria and plaque build-up, putting your oral health at risk.
5. Tumors and cysts
Since impacted wisdom teeth are vulnerable to bacteria and plaque build-up, they could develop cysts and tumors around the jawbone. As a result, it could lead to serious joint pain in the temporomandibular joint, which requires complicated dental treatment.
Other complications of an impacted wisdom tooth include foul-smelling breath, bleeding gums, and complications with tooth straightening treatments such as braces.
What to Expect After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Fortunately, wisdom teeth removal doesn’t usually result in any long-term complications. However, since the procedure involves the use of surgery, you may experience pain or discomfort. On rare occasions, a patient can experience the following complications:
- Severe pain or bleeding
- Damage to the surrounding teeth, jawbone, nerves, or sinuses
- Infection in the socket, which can be caused by trapped food particles or bacteria
- Painful dry sockets
After surgery, side effects and complications may vary from one person to another, but they increase with age. Immediately contact your dentist if you experience any of the above complications.
For quick recovery, ensure you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to aid healing and prevent infections. On average, recovery takes about 3 to 7 days. Immediately after the tooth extraction, please avoid:
- Drinking alcohol and smoking
- Strenuous physical activities
- Eating hard and sticky foods
- Drinking very cold or hot foods and drinks
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you don’t have to wait until it causes problems. Contact Newburyport Family Dental today to schedule your tooth removal treatment.