All about Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Did you know that less than 2% of the world is born without wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars are teeth that grow at the very back of each corner of your mouth. While not everyone has all 4 wisdom teeth, it is very common to have only 1-2 or even 3 wisdom teeth as well. Getting your wisdom teeth removed is likely something you will need to get done at some point in your life now or in the future. Each year, over 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent any symptomatic issues that may arise. While is it most common for wisdom teeth to erupt in young adults between the ages of 17 and 25, some may not have their wisdom teeth erupt until the late 20’s and early 30’s. Unfortunately, it is very common for wisdom tooth pain to be an extensive reason to get most young adults into the dentist’s office to help ease the pain.

As our jaws have gotten smaller, it means there is less room in our mouths to accommodate emerging wisdom teeth. The smaller space doesn’t allow the tooth to come out and it can put pressure on your gums and jaw while eroding the enamel, creating tooth decay and cavities depending on the position the tooth is erupting in. Wisdom teeth that are erupting can cause damage to adjacent teeth making creating the need for fillings or even a root canal. Sometimes the damage is severe enough to need both teeth to be removed and replaced with bone grafting and a single tooth implant.

Gums also really don’t like wisdom teeth either. The ways the wisdom teeth grow and the smaller space makes it easier for bacteria to grow and causes the gums to be inflamed or infected. This can snowball and infections can spread across your mouths making it more and more difficult to treat. It’s important to stay on top of your oral hygiene until you are able to get into an oral surgeon’s office for your wisdom teeth (tooth) extractions.

Most often times patients are numbed with local anesthetic for wisdom tooth removals combined with optional sedation to ease the nerves and anxiety. Local anesthesia is preferred for wisdom teeth extractions because it is a relatively simple procedure and there are much higher risks with anesthesia and getting put to sleep. Oral surgeons will try and work quickly to remove the tooth to prevent any possible complications. After the local anesthetic has worn off after your wisdom teeth removal it is very common to feel uncomfortable or even in pain. It’s important to follow your Doctor’s post-op care instructions to prevent any possible infections or complications for the first initial week after your surgery.  Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated is important after your surgery. Stay away from drinking through a straw or anything that involved a sucking sensation with your mouth as it can cause the blood clot to dislodge from the wound and create dry sockets. Dry sockets can be extremely painful and are very susceptible to possible infection.

There is a reason why oral surgeons recommend removing your wisdom teeth before they erupt in your mouth. The younger you are the less possible complications may arise and the easier time you will have healing. Wisdom teeth extraction helps maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth. Give Dr. Punjabi a call at Terracina Surgical Arts at (909) 798-9950 to discuss your wisdom teeth removal treatment options.