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WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

At some point, most people will require one or more of their wisdom teeth to be extracted or removed from their mouth. Wisdom teeth are also referred to as third molars, and they are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. Most people will develop 4 wisdom teeth, but in some cases, less than four teeth may develop. These teeth erupt in the
mouth between the ages of 17 and 21 years usually. Since these teeth are the last teeth to erupt into the mouth, they may erupt into the mouth without enough space to accommodate them, or they erupt into the mouth with complications.Some people may live their entire life without any wisdom teeth issues. However, others will require that some or all of the wisdom teeth be extracted due to pain or other complications.

Signs That You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed:

  • Pain or pressure: – if you feel a sensation of pressure or pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, you may need to have them removed.
  • ​Unpleasant Odours: – due to the difficulty that comes with reaching the wisdom teeth while brushing and flossing, it may be hard to keep them clean. Bacteria and food debris can get stuck around the gums and teeth and cause a foul odour as well as a bad taste in the mouth when swallowing or eating
  • ​Swelling and bleeding: – If you experience swelling and bleeding, it is likely that there is an infection or inflammation in the area. It may be best to remove the teeth to prevent these issues from occurring again.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth were beneficial to our ancestors due to the early tooth loss rates they experienced and due to the coarseness of their diet. However, most of the food we eat nicely prepared so that our teeth can easily
chew it. As well, most people who visit their dentist regularly can keep most or all of their teeth for their lifetime, reducing the need for wisdom teeth.

Should You Extract Your Wisdom Teeth?

Generally, if there is enough room in your mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt without issue, you should not need to have them removed. However, if you experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or other issues in the area, it may be best to remove your wisdom teeth. Here are some common reasons why wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended:

  • Impacted teeth - If there isn’t enough space available for the wisdom teeth to erupt into the mouth normally, they may become stuck or impacted. Impacted teeth may be located part way above the gums, or in your jawbone under the gums. If impacted teeth are not treated, it can lead to infection as well as mild to severe pain. Since these may are not fully accessible, it is also more difficult to keep them clean from bacteria.
  • ​Increased Risk Of Affecting Nearby Teeth - As mentioned before, since wisdom teeth or impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to keep clean, they increase the risk of causing dental decay to nearby teeth. As well, wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle into another tooth where they can cause damage.
  • ​Formation Of Dental cysts - - In severe cases, a cyst may develop around the area of an impacted tooth and damage the supporting bone and nearby teeth.

Dental Considerations

It is better to have problematic wisdom teeth removed during the teen and young adult years as healing is quickest during this time. Of course wisdom teeth can be removed in adults as well, however, the healing time may be a little longer and be prone to more complications. Most wisdom tooth extractions are completed in one appointment. It is vital that you follow the post-care instructions given by your dentist to
avoid any complications during the healing process. If you are experiencing pain or another type of discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, contact us today to schedule your consultation or appointment!

If you have a dental emergency, do not wait until the damage becomes worse or until the pain intensifies. Contact us to schedule your emergency appointment today.