Should you consider wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal isn’t just for teenagers anymore. Adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are also occasionally advised to do the same. The average person has 28 teeth in their mouth, and when you try to fit in 4 more, it can be uncomfortable. Read on for some wisdom on this topic.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to develop and grow in improperly. Sometimes the teeth come in at an angle which causes difficulty in chewing and may cause the rest of your teeth to shift and crowd together. Not all wisdom teeth break through your gums. Some of them stay below the gum line or only partially erupt, also known as impacted third molars.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and may contribute to localized gum disease, infection and deep cavities because of their difficulty to keep clean. Wisdom teeth are tricky to brush especially when they are in an awkward position and/or partially erupted.
Will I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone will have to part with their wisdom teeth. In cases where individuals have enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt and provide a functioning role, they can certainly keep them. Your dentist can determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed or not with the use of a panoramic x ray which shows the position of your teeth within the jaw bone.
If you do need to have them removed, it is recommended to do so between the ages of 16-22 to minimize any risks and complications. As you age, the surgery may be more difficult and recovery sometimes more difficult and lengthy as well. That being said, people in their 30s, 40s and 50s also get their wisdom teeth removed for one reason or another.
What is involved? What is the wisdom teeth recovery period?
Wisdom teeth removal is a complex treatment. A majority of individuals require only local dental freezing when having their wisdom teeth removed however, some procedures may require an additional form of dental sedation. The extractions may be performed at your dental office or at an oral surgery clinic. If required, once you are relaxed from the sedation, the dentist or oral surgeon will remove your wisdom teeth and you will then spend a short time in recovery. Afterwards, a friend or family member is required to take you home and ensure you are not left unattended. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication so you can recover more comfortably.
The recovery period following wisdom teeth removal is typically three to five days. The actual duration is dependent upon your age and how impacted your wisdom teeth are. Swelling is normal and can be treated with the application of ice packs in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medication. Younger patients will generally experience a speedier recovery.
If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain, or not certain whether your wisdom teeth are going to potentially cause problems in your mouth, talk to your dentist. At Winston Churchill Dental, we can help answer any further questions you may have about your wisdom teeth removal. Call us today at 905-858-2345 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Winston Churchill Dental