Wisdom teeth are tricky things. Do we need them or do we not? In the caveman days, these back molars were necessary for breaking apart food that had been foraged or hunted and often eaten raw. Today, it is easier to consume our meals due to cooking techniques and the ability to process. Our extra set of molars has basically become obsolete and often causes problems. Calgary wisdom tooth removal is something your dentist may recommend, especially if they are causing you pain or are impacted. Here is some information to help you decide if the treatment is right for you.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Grow In?
Typically, between the age of 17-25, you may notice the growth of your wisdom teeth. Some of the main signs include:
- Aches and pain at the back of your jaw
- Irritation of your gums
- Small white specks behind your second molars (these are the tips of your wisdom teeth)
Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth in their life. This is perfectly normal and reliant upon genetics, environment, and diet.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Situations
Your Calgary NE dentist will assess your oral health to determine if your back molars should be removed.
- Little to No Room – If you have a small mouth, a third set of molars may not comfortably fit in your upper and lower arch. They are more likely to disturb other teeth and create further dental health concerns. With limited space, they may not fully come through your gumline.
- Difficulty with Cleaning – Do you find it difficult to get your toothbrush to reach your wisdom teeth? This can lead to cavities due to the build-up of plaque and tartar.
- Trapped – When wisdom teeth don’t come through the gumline they can cause infection and cysts. Impacted molars are painful and can also affect your overall health. Surrounding teeth may even become damaged as a result.
- Crowding – Too many teeth in one zone can create shifting which will cause misalignment. Correcting issues like this may involve braces, extraction, or other orthodontic interventions.
If these situations are not present you may be able to keep your wisdom teeth for your entire life.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
An anesthetic is provided to ease any discomfort and pain. A small incision is made to access the tooth’s root. The wisdom tooth is taken out and the socket is cleaned to prevent infection. The wound is often stitched up and gauze is placed on the area temporarily to help form a blood clot.
A list of post-procedure instructions will be given to you to help the healing process go smoothly. This will include:
- Avoiding exercise or other strenuous activities
- Use of ice packs on the exterior of your mouth
- Jaw exercises
- Drinking lots of water to keep your fluid level up
- Eating only soft foods for the first 24 hours to avoid any incidental damage to your wound
- Refraining from drinking through a straw as this can loosen a blood clot and cause an emergency dental situation
- Avoiding tooth brushing and flossing for two to three days after surgery to avoid dental disasters
Medication is prescribed to further help with the healing and discomfort. The road to painless recovery starts after about five days while complete recovery can take a few weeks. If you experience complications like excessive bleeding, severe pain, or swelling, contact your dentist right away so they can help.
Scenarios Where Wisdom Teeth Can Stay Put
Your dentist may not have any reason for Calgary wisdom tooth removal if:
- They have fully emerged from your gumline without any interruptions or issues
- You can properly clean every bit of your back molars
- All your teeth fit comfortably, and the wisdom teeth roots are fully formed
There may be a situation when your dentist suggests removing your wisdom teeth as a precaution. Your oral health, family history, and complete examination of your teeth will be the determining factors to the treatment. Every patient is different so your dentist will use a personalized approach.
Deciding with Your Dentist
Speak with your dentist about the pros and cons of wisdom tooth removal to guide you in making a decision. At Savanna Market Dental, your oral health is our focus, and we will help you understand everything involved in your dental journey. Calgary wisdom tooth removal can be a smooth process with the right tools and skills, all of which we have at our dental office.
