You’ve seen the funny videos of sedated people after having their wisdom tooth removed, but this dental procedure is far from a laughing matter. In the near future, you might find yourself in dire need of wisdom tooth removal.
Did you ever wonder why people have their wisdom teeth removed? While some won’t have any trouble with them at all, others actually experience debilitating pain due to the growth of these molars. Pain is one of the main reasons people rush to their dentist and have their wisdom teeth removed, though it’s not the only reason.
The Trouble with Wisdom Teeth
Despite its name, your wisdom teeth won’t grant you wisdom. In fact, medical experts agree that humans actually don’t need these third molars. You don’t have to worry if your wisdom teeth is healthy and properly aligned.
For others, however, their wisdom teeth tends to position themselves horizontally. Some may even find their wisdom teeth angling inward or outward. When wisdom teeth are crowded, they can also cause damage to the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth.
Worse, wisdom teeth can become impacted, or it partially comes through to the surface. Not only can it cause a lot of pain, but it can actually allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an infection. Those with impacted wisdom teeth have a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re suffering from either of these conditions, having them removed is the best course of action.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Basically, wisdom teeth removal isn’t a difficult procedure. Your dentist will start by using either general anesthesia or a local anesthetic to numb the pain. The dentist will then make an incision into the gums to expose both the jaw line and the tooth’s roots.
Generally, dentists find it easier to remove your wisdom tooth in pieces than as a whole. Once the tooth and all of its fragments are extracted, the dentist will stitch up the area and place a gauze to promote proper healing.
This area often will be swollen and bruised for a few days after surgery. You will need to avoid using a straw to drink for about a week after the procedure. The stitches should heal within a week, and things should go back to normal. Soft foods will be required for many days as you don’t want to cause any pain or further swelling to the area.
Getting as much information as you can about this procedure is critical in ensuring its success. If you find that your wisdom teeth is causing you trouble, schedule an appointment with trusted local dentists today.
Sources:
Dental Health and Wisdom Teeth, WebMD.com
Wisdom Teeth Surgery: What You Should Know, crest.com
