Wisdom teeth are tricky little things. Though they once served the purpose of ripping through raw plants and meat, evolution has cut down on the need for these back molars. While these teeth offer support to the rear jaw area and help preserve bone, they have become unnecessary to the point that some people never get them at all. These molars may never erupt through your gums but can cause problems that require a dental intervention. Wisdom teeth extraction services can help your other teeth grow in straight and protect your mouth from painful impactions.
Why Your Dentist Will Suggest Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Certain situations call for wisdom teeth extraction by your NE Calgary dentist. They will perform this type of oral surgery if necessary to treat issues and prevent re-occurring infections.
- Unhealthy Molars – When your wisdom teeth are bacteria-ridden, they may need to be removed from your lower or upper jaw. Bad bacterium can spread into the gums and roots, causing pain and further complications. It is important to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing, even at the back of your mouth, to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
- Cyst Around Your Molars – When the sac beside a wisdom tooth fills with fluid, then you have a cyst which can begin to destroy teeth and bone around nearby teeth. Untreated cysts can lead to extreme complications like tumors which require surgery. Dentigerous cysts are commonly found on wisdom teeth in the bottom jaw.
- Partial Eruption – Have your wisdom teeth only come out partially? This could present a problem. It is very difficult to clean the area at the back of your mouth and a lot of bacteria can form around your rear teeth. Even if you think you are getting every speck of the partial molar brushed, bacteria can be lurking in places you cannot reach.
- Growing in Crooked – When wisdom teeth grow in at unusual angles, they can move other teeth into the wrong positions. Crooked wisdom teeth can cause misalignment of your oral cavity.
- Staying Where They Are – Some wisdom teeth may not want to erupt through the gums at all. This can create an infection possibly damaging the roots of surrounding teeth while eroding bone.
- No Room – There may only be enough room in your mouth to properly fit the teeth you already have. When wisdom teeth want to come through, you could run into issues with your other teeth due to the lack of space.
What Can You Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction Services?
A dental X-ray will allow your dentist to see below the gums and know if it is time to remove your wisdom teeth. A clear view of your jawbone, surrounding teeth, nerves, and molars is crucial to determine the process by which the tooth will be extracted. During the treatment, you will be given an anesthetic to provide you with the utmost comfort. You may experience some pressure while the tooth is being loosened but no pain will be felt since the area is numbed.
Within about 45 minutes, the wisdom tooth is taken out of your mouth and the wound will likely be closed with dissolving stitches. A gauze pad is placed on top of the zone to stop the bleeding. This needs to be replaced when soaked through and can be completely removed after about three or four hours.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours after your tooth extraction so as not to dislodge the blood clot. If dislodged, dry socket can occur causing extreme pain and requiring emergency dental services. Here are some things you can do to aid in the healing process:
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- Don’t use a straw while drinking and refrain from smoking/vaping since this can easily dislodge the blood clot through the sucking action.
- Elevate your head with pillows while you sleep to help control any bleeding and swelling.
- Eat soft foods.
- Give yourself plenty of rest.
- Take medication as prescribed by your dentist if needed.
Your mouth will be sore for a few days, but this will go away, and you can slowly get back to doing normal activities.
Take Care of Yourself
Oral health is more important than you may realize. Visiting your dentist for wisdom teeth extraction services can be an important step in maintaining a healthy mouth. At Savanna Market Dental, we always monitor your oral health situation and ensure your utmost safety during every visit. You can be confident knowing that all your dental treatments will be performed with care by our dentists and hygienists. Regular check-ups help you feel good and maintain a healthy oral cavity. Remember, your overall health is tied to oral health because your body is interconnected.
