Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
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Are you feeling the pressure of your wisdom teeth? You’re not alone. Many people face the challenge of wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives. If you’re suffering from wisdom tooth pain, visit our dentists at Aesthetic Dental Associates. We offer wisdom teeth extraction to ensure your oral health stays intact. To schedule an appointment, contact our Seattle dentists today by calling our dental office at (206) 682-3888.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge in the oral cavity, typically in the late teens or early twenties. While some may never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications due to impaction or misalignment. In these cases, wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent severe pain, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth.
It’s not uncommon for someone to have one, two, or even all four wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is considered a standard oral surgery that ensures long-term oral health and the well-being of nearby teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to emerge into the mouth or grow normally. Wisdom teeth can be impacted at various angles, such as:
- Straight (vertical)
- Sideways (horizontal)
- Distal
- Mesial
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal
There are various reasons why wisdom teeth are removed.
Infections and Gum Disease
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections and gum disease due to the difficulty in cleaning the area and the irritation of surrounding gum tissue. One infection is pericoronitis, a localized gum infection that affects the tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause damage to adjacent teeth. Problems may include:
- Physical Pressure: As wisdom teeth grow in, they can push against the second molars (the teeth directly in front of them). This pressure can lead to misalignment of the second molars or other teeth, making them crooked or crowded.
- Bone and Root Resorption: In some cases, the pressure exerted by an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth can lead to root resorption of the adjacent tooth. This means that the tooth’s root structure starts to break down and dissolve. This can weaken the second molar and might even result in its loss if not addressed.
- Increased Risk of Decay: Wisdom teeth can make it difficult to thoroughly clean the rear part of the mouth, especially if they come in at an angle or only partially erupt. This can lead to food and bacteria getting trapped between the wisdom tooth and its neighboring molar.
Cyst Formation and Jaw Bone Issues
Cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to the destruction of jaw bone and adjacent teeth. These fluid-filled sacs can progressively enlarge over time, causing damage to the surrounding jaw bone and sometimes even teeth.
In rare cases, the formation of cysts around wisdom teeth may result in tooth displacement, small bumps in the mouth, and structural damage to the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves. Wisdom tooth removal can prevent these complications and protect your oral health.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Removing wisdom teeth can provide patients with various benefits, including:
- Prevention of overcrowding
- Avoiding tooth impaction
- Prevention of cysts and tumors
- Reduced risks of gum disease and tooth decay
- Pain relief
- Reduced risk of oral infections
- Prevention of damage to nearby teeth
- Better orthodontic results
- Prevention of jaw stiffness and swelling
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
The wisdom tooth extraction process involves three main steps:
- Preparation
- Extraction
- Post-extraction care
Preparing for Extraction
Before your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll undergo dental exams, consultations, a medical history review, and discuss anesthesia options. You’ll also receive instructions regarding what to abstain from before the procedure, such as eating or drinking anything. Additionally, our dentist may prescribe medications to take before the procedure to help manage pain and swelling.
The Extraction Procedure
During the surgical procedure, our Seattle dentist will administer dental sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Once it has taken effect, our dentist will use specialized tools and techniques to remove the impacted wisdom tooth. This may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and removing any bone that may be blocking the tooth’s path. Once the tooth has been extracted, the extraction site will be sutured to ensure proper closure and healing.
Post-Extraction Care
After wisdom tooth removal, post-extraction care is integral for healing and avoiding complications. This involves managing pain and swelling and maintaining oral hygiene around the extraction site. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth following the procedure, including pain management techniques and the use of ice packs to reduce swelling.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Recovery and healing after wisdom tooth removal involve a combination of rest, managing swelling and pain, and maintaining oral hygiene. Most people can resume their normal activities within a week following the procedure. However, make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations and take any necessary precautions to ensure proper healing.
Managing Swelling and Pain
During the healing process, managing swelling and pain are important. Here are some ways to manage these symptoms:
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and provide relief.
- Take medications as directed by a healthcare provider to help with the symptoms.
- Consider using pain relievers available without a prescription if advised by your dentist.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions when taking any medications.
Costs
The cost of wisdom tooth removal can range from $200 to $4,000 per tooth, depending on certain factors and whether or not insurance coverage is available. Consulting your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage for wisdom tooth removal is advisable since it can vary based on your specific policy and dental condition. By understanding your insurance coverage, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and be prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, it takes one to two weeks to fully recover from wisdom teeth removal. Most people can resume their normal routines within three to five days, however, following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions can help make the healing process as comfortable as possible.
Wisdom teeth removal is generally quick and painless during the procedure, and afterward, most people experience only mild discomfort and swelling for 3 to 4 days. In rare cases, some pain and discomfort may last up to two weeks without treatment.
It’s generally recommended to remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25, as this is when they’re fully mature but haven’t yet erupted. Delays can lead to serious health issues further down the line.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Ready for wisdom teeth removal? Contact our top-rated Seattle dentists today to schedule your appointment! We’ll evaluate your oral health and determine the need for extraction. Call us today at (206) 682-3888.