Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications like pain, crowding, or infection. Knowing when wisdom tooth removal is necessary and when to act can make all the difference in your oral health.
At Esteem Dental, we prioritize your comfort and well-being, ensuring you receive the right treatment at the right time to maintain a healthy smile. With years of experience providing compassionate, quality dental care, we take pride in offering personalized treatment plans that can be tailored to your needs. Our team will guide you through the process with the care and expertise you deserve.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal
While some patients never need their wisdom teeth removed, this is not the case for everyone. The vast majority of dental patients will need to get one or more of their wisdom teeth removed, depending on the number your dental providers can find. While there may be up to four wisdom teeth, some patients only grow one, two, or three.
The following are signs and symptoms that indicate wisdom tooth removal could be necessary for you:
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath or unusual taste
- Signs of infection around the area
- Cysts near the wisdom teeth
- Crowded teeth that orthodontic tools do not help with
- Damage to nearby teeth caused by growing wisdom teeth
- Tooth decay, either in the wisdom teeth exclusively or all around the oral cavity
- Gum disease
- Additional complications with braces and orthodontic tools
- Earaches, headaches, or facial swelling
The best way to avoid damage caused by wisdom teeth is by seeing your dental providers regularly. General dentists can refer you to a dental surgeon or other qualified providers. In the best case, your dentist will be able to identify your wisdom teeth and whether they are likely to cause dental problems in the future.
If you need assistance removing your wisdom teeth, please reach out to our team at Esteem Dental. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Before you get your wisdom teeth removed, you will have a consultation with your dental provider. During this time, your provider will collect X-rays and discuss your options for care, such as whether you would like to be awake or asleep during the procedure.
If the tooth is not visible, your provider will make a small incision into the gums to access the wisdom teeth. If the tooth is impacted or partially covered by bone, your provider may remove a small amount of the bone. Once the tooth is fully exposed, it will be loosened and carefully removed from its socket. Your provider may also cut your tooth into smaller pieces to make extraction easier.
Following the extraction, your provider will clean out any leftover debris. Your dentist may then need to close any incisions with dissolvable stitches. Then, gauze can be placed over the extraction site to staunch bleeding and prevent clots from forming.
Tips for Healing and Aftercare Following Wisdom Tooth Removal
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you may experience pain and discomfort during healing. We encourage you to use the following tips and tricks for managing the healing process:
- Eat soft and liquid foods for a few days, limiting chewing to teeth unaffected by the surgery.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs to manage pain and inflammation.
- Avoid heavy activities for the first few days, including activities that could increase your heart rate.
- Refrain from smoking tobacco products for the first few days.
- Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated, or hot beverages in the first 24 hours.
If you have any questions about aftercare following your wisdom teeth removal, reach out to our team at Esteem Dental.
Why Choose Esteem Dental for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
At Esteem Dental, we understand that wisdom tooth removal can be a daunting decision, but with our personalized approach and compassionate care, you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands. With years of experience, we provide a seamless and comfortable experience, from consultation to recovery.
If you’re experiencing any signs that wisdom tooth removal might be necessary, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Call us today at (407) 476-5650 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.
