If you’re in your late teens or early twenties, you’ve probably been warned about the looming possibility of getting your wisdom teeth.
While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, many dentists recommend you get your wisdom teeth removed if they are impacted.
Before we talk about whether you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, first let’s discuss what wisdom teeth are.
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What Are Wisdom Teeth And When Do They Come In?
Your wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars located in the back of your mouth. People typically have four wisdom teeth on the top and bottom of either side of the mouth.
While these teeth usually come in between 17 to 25 years old, some people will never grow wisdom teeth.
Like all other teeth, wisdom teeth are supposed to break through the gums and develop into fully grown teeth. But when wisdom teeth are impacted, the teeth never emerge.
Instead, they hide underneath the surface of the gums or remain in the jawbone. This can cause a mouthful of pain, discomfort and dental health complications.
Are your wisdom teeth impacted? If you’re not sure, keep reading!
5 Common Health Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted
- Pain and swelling in your jaw
- Sensitive, swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
- Discomfort while chewing or talking
- Fever
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Read on to find out why it’s a good idea to have these teeth removed.
When and Why to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Is it absolutely necessary for you to have your wisdom teeth removed?
In some cases, no. You do not need to get your wisdom teeth removed if they grow in properly.
If your wisdom teeth are properly aligned and are not causing crowding in your mouth, you can most likely live with your wisdom teeth for the rest of your life without experiencing any issues.
However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, that’s another story. If you fail to remove impacted wisdom teeth, you put yourself at risk of pain and infection.
Oral Complications Caused By Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Cysts in the jawbone
- Jaw pain and trouble chewing
- Tooth decay on partially impacted teeth
- Misaligned teeth and crowding in the mouth
- Inflammatory gum disease
And more.
Are your wisdom teeth are getting in the way of living your everyday life?
If the answer is yes, you should seriously consider getting them removed. Plus, this will prevent you from encountering more severe problems, like oral infections, later on in life.
Do you need to get your wisdom teeth removed?
Keep reading to find out what to expect before, during and after your wisdom teeth removal.
What to Expect From Your Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal, also known as wisdom teeth extraction, is a surgical procedure during which a medical professional removes one or all of your impacted wisdom teeth.
Read on to find out what to expect from this.
What You Should Know Before Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before undergoing wisdom teeth removal, gather information to make you feel more comfortable with the procedure. Visit your dentist or an oral surgeon to discuss what’s to come.
Here are some questions to ask before your procedure:
How many wisdom teeth need to be removed?
How long will my wisdom teeth removal take?
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
What type of anesthesia will I have?
How soon can I go back to my normal activities?
Now that you have your questions cleared up, it’s time to prepare for the actual procedure.
During Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before your wisdom teeth extraction, your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. In some cases, they might suggest sedation.
Once you’re prepared for surgery, the actual procedure begins. Wisdom teeth removal can take 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The time will depend on the complexity of your case.
During the surgery, your doctor will cut into gum tissue to remove your impacted teeth. Before stitching the wound closed, they will clean the area thoroughly.
After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal, What Should You Expect Next?
Congratulations! You successfully underwent wisdom teeth removal. Now, how long will it take for you to heal?
It usually only takes 3 to 4 days for patients to recover from wisdom teeth surgery. In some cases, the healing process could take up to a week.
During this time, you should exercise caution when returning to your daily routine. Ask your dentist or oral surgeon when it is safe for you to resume working out, eating certain foods and more.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Now With the Best Dentist in Leander, Texas
Is it time for you to get your wisdom teeth removed?
Don’t wait to find out.
Receive a free, no obligation wisdom tooth consultation for either you or your teenager. You can schedule your appointment with Apple Springs Family Dentistry by clicking here or calling our Leander Dental Office now.
