You can think of your wisdom teeth as the appendix of your mouth. They are present, but there is not a solid reason for them, and sometimes they can cause havoc in your body. For this reason, your dentist in Edmonton may recommend you undergo wisdom teeth removal, even if your wisdom teeth do not appear to be causing any problems. It is vital that you follow this advice, as your wisdom teeth can create trouble for you in the future, depending on how they are situated. Continue reading to learn how wisdom teeth can impact your mouth.
First, what are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the flat teeth at the back of your mouth–two on the top, and two on the bottom. They are the third and last set of molars that will grow in. Generally, they will erupt during your late teenage years or early adulthood.
Wisdom Teeth That Are Impacted
Your wisdom teeth may become impacted; this means there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to emerge. This can crowd your other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow in at an angle or flat on their sides. In addition, they can also become trapped within the jawbone rather than fully erupting. All of these scenarios can result in complications, including:
- Pain
- Cysts that are filled with fluid
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Damage to nearby bones
The eruption of wisdom teeth can also complicate your oral hygiene routine and prevent you from properly cleaning your mouth. Insufficient oral hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, which is usually accompanied by swollen gums, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Even opening your mouth becomes difficult.
Pain
When wisdom teeth erupt, it can cause you pain and discomfort even if they do so properly. Plus, if they become infected, you will likely suffer from serious aches and soreness. To avoid these unwanted situations, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton. Even if you feel totally fine, it is wise to have these teeth removed before they can start trouble.
It All Starts with an Exam
When you visit a dental clinic in Edmonton, your dentist will begin with an X-ray. This will allow them to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned and the amount of room available in your mouth for these teeth to grow. If you have been experiencing symptoms, or your dentist predicts that there will be issues with your wisdom teeth, you will be asked to schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth removal. Note, your dentist or an oral surgeon can perform wisdom teeth removal.
The Procedure Should Not Hurt
A numbing mechanism will be used to prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the complexity of the removal and your needs, you may receive, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
After you have been numbed, your dentist in Edmonton will use a specific dental instrument to loosen and disconnect the wisdom teeth from the tissue for removal. If it is more accessible, your dentist may divide the teeth into sections before removal. The surgical sites will usually be stitched up, and gauze will be placed over the holes. The gauze promotes clotting and helps your wounds heal.
Recovery Will Range
Experiencing swelling and pain after wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton is entirely normal. It is best to take things slow and let yourself heal following the procedure. Your level of post-procedure pain may only be mildly uncomfortable or quite painful. Factors like the number of teeth removed and the extent of the impact will affect your recovery. Typically, the pain will improve after a day or two. Medications like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can help relieve discomfort and swelling. Also, an ice pack is helpful to reduce swelling or bruising. Your dentist will provide all after-care instructions.
Avoid Dry Socket
It is essential to stay hydrated following wisdom teeth removal, but avoid drinking through a straw, especially for the first two weeks. Using a straw to drink can lead to dry socket, which is an incredibly painful condition. Dry socket refers to the dislodgment of a clot over an extraction site that exposes bare bone and nerves.
For more information regarding wisdom teeth removal, contact your dental office in Edmonton.
