What Are Wisdom Teeth and How Can They Impact Your Oral Health?
Wisdom teeth usually emerge between ages 16 and 20 but often lack space, causing crowding or impaction. This can lead to misalignment, damage to nearby teeth, or risk of cysts and infection. Even without symptoms, early detection allows for proactive removal. Timely intervention helps prevent long-term dental issues and protects overall oral health.
Warning Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems
- Swollen, red gums around back molars
- Persistent tooth pain in the molars
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Stiffness and pain in the jaw
- Persistent, frequent, or unexplained earache or headache
- Blood or pus near your molars
- Swollen jaw or cheeks
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or opening and closing normally
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process
Our team at My Tooth Docs understands that wisdom tooth removal may be the first experience with oral surgery for many of our patients. This routine oral surgery is focused on extracting wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth. Here’s a general overview of what you can anticipate from our process:
Consultation
In your consultation with our team, we will thoroughly examine your mouth, complemented by digital X-rays. This assessment will help us determine the position and complexity of your wisdom tooth extraction.
The Extraction
We will carefully make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. If needed, a small amount of surrounding bone may be removed, or the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces to facilitate a smooth and efficient extraction. Rest assured, your wisdom teeth removal will be performed with precision and care.
All four wisdom teeth are often extracted in a single session to streamline the healing process. If fewer teeth require removal, we will address them on the same day for efficient care. A sectioning technique may be used to ensure better control and minimize any potential complications during the procedure.
Recovery
After the extraction, you’ll have time to rest in a dedicated recovery area. We will provide an ice pack to help manage swelling. Our My Tooth Docs team will review detailed post-operative care instructions, ensuring you know how to care for the extraction site and support a smooth healing process.
We will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to aid your recovery if necessary. It’s important to take all prescribed medications as directed, even if you begin feeling better before finishing the course. Your comfort and healing are our priority.
