Wisdom Teeth
A third molar, commonly called wisdom tooth, is one of the three molars per quadrant of the human dentition. It is the most posterior of the three. The age at which wisdom teeth come through (erupt) is variable, but this generally occurs between late teens and early twenties. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each of the four quadrants, but it is possible to have none, fewer, or more, in which case the extras are called supernumerary teeth. Wisdom teeth may get stuck (impacted) against other teeth if there is not enough space for them to come through normally.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and are the teeth least needed for good oral health. Most people have four wisdom teeth that usually erupt through the gums in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes wisdom teeth remain trapped in the jawbone under the gums because there is insufficient room for them to erupt.
Wisdom teeth can cause gum disease, crowding or other damage to adjacent teeth, decay (due to the inability of your toothbrush to keep the area clean), and bone destroying cysts. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of problem wisdom teeth. Whether you have obvious symptoms or not, it is important to diagnose existing or potential problems caused by your wisdom teeth. Removal is often the wisest decision for your health and well-being.
All Family Dental Care offers wisdom teeth extraction for patients of all ages. Our experienced and highly-trained dentists are experts in the removal of these third molars, which can help prevent problems down the road. Wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure; however, it can be uncomfortable, so we use sedation dentistry to make sure that our patients remain relaxed throughout the process.
During the extraction, we will first numb the area with local anesthesia and provide additional sedation if needed. We then use special instruments to loosen and remove the tooth before cleaning and examining the extraction site to ensure that all of the tooth is removed. In some cases, we may need to cut or split a tooth into several pieces to ensure the complete removal of the wisdom tooth. After extraction, we may place stitches to close any open wounds and provide post-operative instructions to help manage discomfort and aid in proper healing.
How do I know if I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
It is important to have a dental professional examine you regularly to determine if wisdom teeth extractions are necessary. The best time to have a wisdom tooth extracted is sooner rather than later. Generally, younger patients experience less pain and healing time after the procedure. Signs that indicate extraction may be needed include: crowding or impaction of other teeth, pain or swelling in the area, infection in the gums near the tooth, and cysts related to wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or would like to discuss wisdom teeth extraction further, please contact All Family Dental Care for a consultation with one of our experienced dentists today.
What happens before wisdom teeth extraction?
Before any dental procedure, it is important to consult with your dentist to discuss the treatment and make sure you are comfortable. During this appointment, your dentist will review your medical history and take X-rays of the teeth in question. This helps them determine the exact location of each wisdom tooth, as well as its angle and orientation in relation to the other teeth. After the examination, you will be informed of the best options available for removal and any possible risks or complications associated with the procedure.
What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
The wisdom tooth extraction procedure is typically performed in our office and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of teeth being removed. During the procedure, your dentist will first administer local anesthesia to numb the area and provide sedation if needed. They will then use special instruments to loosen the tooth and remove it in one piece or split the tooth into smaller pieces to ensure its complete removal.
After extraction, your dentist may place stitches in the empty socket and provide post-operative instructions on how to care for the area and manage any discomfort you may experience. In some cases, it may be necessary to return for follow-up appointments after your initial extraction appointment to ensure the area is properly healing.
At All Family Dental Care, we take pride in providing quality services that can help improve our patients’ oral health. Our experienced dentists will assess your wisdom teeth and discuss the best treatment plan for you. We understand that this can be a stressful time, so we do everything we can to make sure our patients feel comfortable and secure throughout the entire process.
If you think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, please contact us today to schedule an examination with one of our experienced dentists. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile!