How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.

Throughout your life, the mouth undergoes several modifications. The emergence of the third molars is an important dental milestone that normally occurs between the ages of 17 and 21. Because they emerge at a later age when one is perceived as mature, these teeth have traditionally been referred to as wisdom teeth. However, wisdom teeth can bring with them a lot of pain and suffering for many people. At Dr. Wisdom Teeth, our dentist is specially trained to help such patients relieve pain through wisdom teeth extraction. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt. This generally happens between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, most people do not have adequate space in their jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. When a wisdom tooth erupts incorrectly, it can cause pain and infection.

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

Your wisdom teeth are also known as your third molars. These teeth often emerge during late adolescence and can cause a variety of problems. If they are impacted, they can create alignment issues in your mouth. Impacted teeth can also become infected. That is why most people have their wisdom teeth removed.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure often performed by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon.

To remove wisdom teeth, the dentist will provide local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth. Then, he or she will incise the gum tissue over the tooth or teeth. He or she will remove any bone that is covering the tooth and then remove the tooth or teeth from the sockets. If the tooth is impacted, your dental team may break it into a few pieces before removing it. Finally, the gums will be sutured closed.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal

After your procedure, eat soft foods and avoid drinking with a straw. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot, potentially prolonging the bleeding. It is important to keep the blood clot in place. Otherwise, there is likely to be more pain and bleeding.

You may have some numbness for the first few days after the procedure. This should go away as the area heals and your nerve begins to function again.

Risks of not having wisdom teeth removed

If you leave your wisdom teeth in place, they can cause not only crowding but also impaction. Impaction occurs when a tooth gets stuck below the gumline. The impacted tooth will rarely erupt on its own, so you’ll likely need to have it extracted.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, damage to nearby teeth, or pain. Leaving them in place can also affect your bite, cause bone damage, and impact adjacent teeth.

To know more about wisdom teeth extractions, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.