That Smarts! Your Guide To Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Whether you are having all your wisdom teeth removed or just a couple, the procedure can seem intimidating. Fortunately, having wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later can make the process much easier than you might think and prevent infection along the way. When you better understand the wisdom tooth extraction process, you will be less likely to feel intimidated by the procedure. This guide will walk you through some of the most commonly asked questions.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

The wisdom teeth are also known as the third set of molars. When they do erupt through the gums, there typically is not room for them to come in. This causes a number of problems that your dentist will be able to detect at your normal cleaning and with x-rays. If the dentist spots the wisdom tooth growing in abnormally, he or she will determine that it is time to remove it. The tooth might be growing in at an angle or even sideways. In fact, some wisdom teeth grow in perpendicularly compared to others. In other cases, the tooth cannot even emerge because it has become trapped in the gums.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

First, your dentist or surgeon will provide you with some level of sedation and anesthesia. Your mouth will be numb, and you will not feel anything that the surgeon is doing. Next, he or she will delicately make an incision in the gum or tissue to reveal the tooth to be removed. With extraction tools, the dentist will be able to loosen the tooth from any tissue it is connected to. If you are awake for the procedure, do not worry. You are not likely to feel much at all except for perhaps an increase in pressure.

What Is Recovery Like after Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After you have your wisdom teeth removed, you are likely to be out of commission for at least a few days. You may want to schedule some time off work or school to recover. Your dentist may prescribe you some painkillers, but over time you should be fine using over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also wish to use an ice pack and eat only soft foods in the meantime.

Do you think that your wisdom teeth need to be removed? Do you feel intense pain in the back of your mouth? Speak to a clinic like Beck Pearce Dental to learn more about your options.


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