Is it time to remove your wisdom teeth?
When your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, it can oftentimes lead to pain, infection and other oral health problems. To benefit your oral health and overall well-being, it may be time to consider wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25.
Because they develop later in life, the term “wisdom teeth” nods to a person having more wisdom once these teeth emerge. However, wisdom teeth are prone to causing a slew of dental issues—like impaction, trouble cleaning or insufficient jaw space—all which can be avoided by extracting wisdom teeth proactively.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental treatment. Extractions are possible when the wisdom tooth has fully emerged through the gum and can be easily removed with forceps. But for impacted wisdom teeth that are only partially emerged, oral surgery is needed.
This type of extraction is often suggested by dentists to prevent future dental issues. Your Austin Emergency Dental care team will use modern techniques and anesthesia to make the process quick and minimize any discomfort.
There are several reasons you might need this procedure:
This means the wisdom teeth can’t break through the gums due to lack of room.
Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, so they can attract bacteria. If left untreated this could lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
Rarely, a dormant wisdom tooth can lead to the formation of a cyst that can harm the bones or tooth roots.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will go through your medical history and discuss anesthesia options.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will go through your medical history and discuss anesthesia options. You will also be instructed on the preparation you will need to take before your surgery. This could include fasting, finding a ride to and from the office and post-care assistance and support.
During treatment, your dentist or oral surgeon may make an incision, although not always needed, to remove the tooth or teeth from the gums as part of oral surgery. After that, they’ll clean the site and may add stitches to help your smile recover.
It’s best to follow your dentist’s care instructions. These will include managing discomfort, getting enough rest, reducing swelling with an ice pack, sticking to soft foods and liquids and avoiding drinking through a straw for a few days. It’s also advisable to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during this time.
To promote your mouth’s recovery, we recommend brushing carefully and avoiding the surgical site for the first 24 hours. Your Austin Emergency Dental care team may also suggest a follow-up visit to the office to ensure your mouth is healing well.
While our office is located in Austin, we proudly serve patients from surrounding areas across the Greater Austin region. No matter where you’re coming from, you can count on us for trusted emergency dental care.
