Most people will develop wisdom teeth as they grow up. Depending on how they erupt from your jawbone and gum tissue, they may need to be removed via oral surgery. But don’t worry! If this applies to you, wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure. Your dentist will discuss the steps of the process with you, so you feel more familiar and answer any questions you have.
At our dental office, we provide oral surgery in Gibsonton. If you’re eager to gather additional information or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, please contact our team today.
Wisdom Teeth: What Are They?
Wisdom teeth are also called your third molars and are located at the very back of your mouth, with two on the top and two on the bottom. Typically, they need to be removed to make room for your other adult teeth to grow.
Generally, most patients have these teeth extracted between the ages of 17 and 25 or 26. Sometimes, however, they don’t need to be removed at all as they fit comfortably in an individual’s mouth. In other cases, only one or two may be removed.
Why Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are a number of other reasons why your dentist may advise getting wisdom tooth extractions near you. They are as follows:
Pain and sensitivity
These symptoms can result from several different subsequent problems, including impacted wisdom teeth. This means that are trapped in the jawbone, beneath the gums, or they are growing at an irregular angle and rubbing against your other teeth. Inflammation and infections can occur as a result.
Overcrowding
If your teeth don’t have enough space to develop or if you’re preparing for orthodontic treatment, your wisdom teeth may need to be taken out. If not, they can contribute to bite problems and trouble chewing. Misaligned teeth are harder to brush which can lead to poor dental hygiene too.
Swollen Gums
Another problem that can arise due to impacted teeth, they can exert unnecessary pressure on your teeth, leading to irritation, redness, and eventually swollen gums. This is known as pericoronitis. Upon extraction, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help manage the situation.
Sinus Problems
Wisdom teeth problems can sometimes be associated with sinus issues, although it is not necessarily a direct cause. Inflammation from infected or impacted wisdom teeth can affect the sinus lining, causing symptoms such as sinus pressure and congestion. In this particular situation, your dentist may recommend receiving oral surgery near you.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain associated with wisdom teeth problems can vary in intensity and may be felt as a dull ache, throbbing pain, or sharp discomfort. It can occur in the area around the wisdom tooth itself or radiate to other parts of the jaw, face, or even the ear. Sometimes, the positioning of wisdom teeth can also affect the alignment of the jaw, leading to bite problems or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
The Procedure
Overall, the procedure for wisdom tooth extraction is quite straightforward. It does depend on whether you need a simple or surgical extraction. Simple extractions are less invasive while surgical extractions are more complex, as tissue and bone debris need to be cleared away to access the tooth in question.
The steps involved in the process are noted below:
- Consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. They will examine your mouth, review your dental history, and possibly take scans to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their evaluation, they will determine if extraction is necessary and discuss the procedure with you.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the teeth that will be taken out. If the treatment is particularly complicated and/or you have severe dental anxiety, be sure to speak with your dentist about sedation dental methods, which can help keep you comfortable.
- Tooth Exposure and Removal: An incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and underlying bone. The tooth will then be carefully loosened from its socket using specialized instruments and, if necessary, divided into sections for easier removal. Once the tooth is extracted, any remaining debris or infection will be cleaned from the site.
- Closure and Recovery: Sutures are used to close the incision site, promote healing, and prevent food particles from entering the socket. They may also place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding.
- The Healing Process: The socket where the wisdom tooth was extracted will gradually fill with a blood clot and heal over time. It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dental professional to ensure proper healing, minimize the risk of complications, and promote a smooth recovery.
Looking to Gather More Information?
At Orange Blossom Oral Surgery, we offer wisdom tooth extractions in Gibsonton. Our staff is passionate and dedicated about providing high-quality oral health services to patients of all ages. If you’ve got concerns or questions about this treatment, or you’re ready to schedule a one-on-one session, please give us a call today!
FAQs
1. When do age-related wisdom teeth erupt?
Wisdom teeth tend to emerge between the ages of 17to 25, but the timing can vary. Their eruption can be influenced by genetics and jaw size. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor their development and determine if extraction is necessary.
2. Is delaying wisdom tooth removal good?
Putting off wisdom tooth removal can lead to increased risks of complications, dental crowding, misalignment, infections, and gum disease. It’s important to consult with a dental professional to determine if extraction is necessary to prevent potential issues.
3. Can I clean my teeth after having my wisdom teeth removed?
Your dentist will advise you to avoid brushing the surgical area for 24 hours. You can brush and floss your other teeth gently, just stay away from the extraction site. This allows it to start to heal properly.
