Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a fairly common procedure. Typically, this is a procedure that is done in the late teen years, but it can also be done in adulthood if wisdom teeth present problems. If it has been recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, you may have many questions about the removal, including what exactly it is, who needs theirs removed, and what are some of the signs that yours may need to be removed. You may also be wondering about the procedure itself and if it is painful. Here are some of the most common questions that people have about wisdom teeth removal and the answers to those questions.
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is an oral surgical procedure that involves removing your wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted. It is called an extraction because the teeth are being removed from beneath the gums. Typically, this type of procedure is done by a specialist. Specialists such as an oral surgeon in Melbourne, Florida, rather than a traditional dentist. Wisdom tooth extraction may involve removing only one wisdom tooth, only your upper or lower wisdom teeth, or all four. Typically, all of your wisdom teeth are extracted at once, especially in teenagers.
Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. They are the last teeth to erupt through the gums and into the mouth. In most people, they do not begin to poke through the gums until the late teenage years to early adulthood. Unfortunately, though, the wisdom teeth may not emerge fully straight. When this happens, they can become impacted, or stuck under your back molars. Even if the teeth do come in straight, they can be painful when they are popping up. There may also be little room for them to enter the mouth, which can shift your teeth and cause crowding. Lastly, they are also harder to reach and brush, which makes them more prone to cavities. Thus, most people simply remove them to avoid the pain of them erupting, the cosmetic problems of overcrowding, or the hassle of reaching the teeth to brush them.
What Are the Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In most cases, a dentist will tell you that you need your wisdom teeth removed. When they conduct an x-ray of your mouth, they can see your current teeth. The x-rays show the positioning of your wisdom teeth. They will be able to tell if the teeth are not going to come in straight and if there will be crowding issues.
If you do not visit the dentist regularly, you may begin to experience pain if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. You may feel sensitivity or pain in the back of your mouth. Additionally, your gums may swell or become inflamed, or you may begin to experience jaw pain. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and cannot enter, the pain will continue. It will likely progress and you may find it hard to get any relief. Over-the-counter medications and hot or cold compresses may slightly decrease the pain. However, the pain will not go away until the tooth is removed.
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Hurt?
When wisdom tooth extraction is performed by a trained and professional dental surgeon in Melbourne, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients are either put to sleep or given sedatives to prevent them from feeling anything during the procedure. Once the procedure is over, you may feel some sensitivity or discomfort. Swelling in the mouth region and jaw area is a common side effect. You will be given pain medication to help. You will also be given instructions on foods you can eat and how to care for the area. The swelling and pain should subside within a couple of days.
Contact Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants
If you need dental surgery, including (but not limited to) wisdom teeth removal, Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants can help you. Our staff specializes in oral surgery. Thus, you know you are in experienced and skilled hands when you have your procedure done with us. If you suspect you need yours removed, or your dentist is suggesting you need them removed, contact us. Schedule a consultation today!