Do I Have to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Unlike the rest of your adult teeth, wisdom teeth often come late to the party. In fact, they usually don't make an appearance until your late teens or early-to-mid 20s. And, even then, not everyone has them.
In an ideal world, your wisdom teeth - also known as third molars - would emerge healthy and in a good position that doesn't jeopardize your oral health. Unfortunately, that's usually not the case. Instead, these pesky molars can lead to numerous problems, even when they haven't broken through your gumline.
At The Dental Touch Oakland, our skilled team specializes in wisdom tooth extraction. If you still have your wisdom teeth, here's why you should schedule a consultation today.
The problem with wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause problems whether you can see them or not. Part of the issue with these molars involves how they do or do not grow.
Many wisdom teeth become stuck either partially or completely below your gumline. When this occurs, you have impacted wisdom teeth. It's also common for wisdom teeth to grow at an angle, either pushing against nearby teeth, toward the back of your mouth, or into the jawbone itself. You can also have a mouth that's simply too small for any more teeth.
When ignored, wisdom teeth can trigger numerous dental issues, such as:
- Pain
- Damage to surrounding teeth or bone
- Chronic infections and gum disease
- Extensive tooth decay
- Fluid-filled cysts
- Bite issues, misalignment, or overcrowding
These unpredictable teeth can also cause problems at any point in your life. Believe it or not, a 94-year-old was the oldest person to grow wisdom teeth, according to Guinness World Records!
As a result, most people choose to remove their wisdom teeth preemptively to avoid complications before they arise.
What to expect when having your wisdom teeth removed
Our team uses two approaches to extract wisdom teeth during an office visit. Simple extractions can remove visible wisdom teeth, while surgical extractions address those below the gumline.
Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction, you receive anesthesia so you stay relaxed and pain-free every step of the way. This could include oral conscious sedation, as well as local and general anesthesia. After your procedure, you can go home.
You can expect to have some swelling and discomfort for a few days after having your wisdom teeth removed. However, we provide detailed instructions on caring for your mouth to keep you comfortable and help you heal as quickly as possible. This typically involves taking pain relievers, applying ice to your jaw, and drinking cold liquids for at least 24 hours.
While no one looks forward to having their wisdom teeth removed, it's often far easier when done before problems arise than after - especially at a younger age before the tooth root and bone become fully formed.
Do you have impacted or problematic wisdom teeth? Contact The Dental Touch Oakland by calling 510-328-7799 or schedule a consultation online today.
