Prevent Pain and Complications With Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of your mouth. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience complications due to overcrowding, impaction, or infection. At ReNew Dental Surgery, our team is experienced in performing wisdom teeth removals, helping prevent long-term dental issues and ensuring your oral health is maintained.
Why Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If there isn’t enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to fully emerge, or if they become impacted, a variety of dental problems may arise. Wisdom teeth should be removed early to prevent complications such as:
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections in the surrounding gum tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty eating.
- Cyst Formation: When impacted teeth are not removed, cysts may develop around the tooth. These fluid-filled sacs can destroy bone and adjacent teeth.
- Teeth Crowding: Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough space to erupt can cause shifting or crowding of other teeth, particularly after braces.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can affect neighboring teeth, leading to gum disease, decay, or bone loss.
At ReNew Dental Surgery, we offer removal of all 4 wisdom teeth if necessary. This is a common option for many patients who need comprehensive treatment.
It’s often easier to remove wisdom teeth when you’re younger, as the roots are not yet fully developed. If left untreated, problems tend to worsen with age, leading to more complicated procedures later on.
When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The best time to have your wisdom teeth removed is typically in your late teens or early twenties, while the roots are still developing and the jawbone is softer. Early evaluation, usually starting in the mid-teen years, can help predict whether your wisdom teeth will cause problems down the line. However, wisdom teeth can be safely removed at any age.
If you require removal of all four wisdom teeth at once, we can perform the procedure in one visit for your convenience and quicker recovery. For impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision in the gum may be needed to access the tooth. If stitches are required, they’re typically dissolvable, so you won’t need to return to have them removed.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Before the procedure, we’ll perform a thorough oral examination, which may include X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth. The surgery itself is typically done under local anesthesia, though sedative options are available for added comfort. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will carefully remove the impacted teeth, ensuring minimal discomfort. In most cases, the extraction takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
For patients needing the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, we carefully plan the procedure to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
For impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision in the gum may be needed to access the tooth. If stitches are required, they’re typically dissolvable, so you won’t need to return to have them removed.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll need to follow some simple post-surgery care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Rest: Plan to rest for the day after surgery. Have a responsible adult accompany you to and from the office.
- Diet: Stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days. Avoid dairy products to prevent nausea. Gradually return to normal foods as you heal.
- Pain Management: You may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help, but if necessary, we’ll prescribe medication to manage your pain.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water and avoid using straws, as suction can interfere with the healing process.
Most patients recover within a few days, although it may take one to two weeks for full healing. Follow-up appointments will ensure everything is healing as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or discomfort, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Our team at Renew Dental Surgery can assess your condition and recommend the safest solution.