Wisdom Teeth Extractions: When, Why, and What to Expect

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure many individuals undergo in their late teens or early adulthood. These third molars lack room, causing them to emerge improperly or become impacted. This can lead to various oral health issues that affect your overall quality of life. Individuals who undergo this type of extraction should understand when they are necessary, why dental professionals recommend them, and what to expect during and after this important dental treatment.

When wisdom teeth extractions are necessary

Not everyone needs to undergo wisdom teeth extraction. In some cases, they emerge without causing any issues, or they are not removed at all. However, wisdom teeth extraction is necessary in the following situations:

• Impacted: When wisdom teeth fail to fully emerge due to lack of space, they can become trapped beneath the gums or grow at an improper angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.
• Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth may push against adjacent teeth, causing misalignment or affecting orthodontic treatment.
• Infection or decay: Due to their position at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, cysts may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone or surrounding teeth.

Dental professionals will evaluate the patient's wisdom teeth using X-rays to determine whether removal is necessary based on the above factors.

Why people need their wisdom teeth removed

Removing wisdom teeth can prevent future oral health complications. Some key reasons dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction include:

• Pain relief
• Reduce the risk of infection and decay
• Prevents teeth from shifting
• Prevents teeth from crowding
• Lower risk of harming the jawbone

Dentists may recommend proactive removal even if symptoms are not yet severe. Early wisdom teeth extraction can help reduce the probability of future oral health complications and extensive removal procedures.

What to expect before, during, and after extraction

Before

Before the procedure begins, the dental professional will conduct a thorough examination and take X-rays to assess the position of the patient's wisdom teeth. They will then administer a local anesthetic to numb the patient's mouth. Some dental practices also offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation to ensure the patient remains calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. The sedation options will depend on what is available, the patient's comfort level, and the complexity of the patient's situation.

During

During the extraction, the dental professional makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove bone that blocks access to the tooth root and remove the tooth. In some cases, they will section the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

The extraction team will then clean the area, removing any debris. They may also use stitches to speed up the healing process. Finally, they will place gauze over the treatment site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, but this will depend on the number of teeth being removed and their positioning.

After

After the extraction, swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common. Pain medication and ice packs can help manage discomfort in the first few days. Consuming soft foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining proper oral hygiene can help the patient heal while minimizing their risk of postoperative infection. Dentists will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Most individuals heal within a few weeks, though complete tissue recovery may take longer.

Call our office to learn more

Frontier Family Dentistry offers wisdom teeth extractions in the Bandera area. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about the process. Call us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://frontierfamilydentistry.com or call Frontier Family Dentistry at (830) 460-3111 for an appointment in our Bandera office.

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