What are Wisdom Teeth and When Do They Need Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most adults have. Most adults get them in their late teens or early twenties, and more often than not, they need to be removed. In rare cases, there is enough room in the mouth to accommodate the extra set of teeth, and they grow in straight and properly aligned. These patients do not require wisdom tooth extraction. Additionally, some people may not have wisdom teeth or have only one or two instead of all four.
However, for many others, wisdom teeth are misaligned, positioned horizontally, or at an awkward angle. When the teeth have poor alignment, they can cause crowding or damage to the jawbone and nerves. This misalignment often requires oral surgery in Southlake, TX, performed at our trusted dental office.
In other cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are enclosed within the jawbone or soft tissue with only a partial eruption through the gum. The partial eruption creates just enough space for bacteria to enter, potentially causing infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness, and they are incredibly uncomfortable. Furthermore, partially erupted wisdom teeth have a higher risk of developing gum disease.
Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you don’t visit the dentist regularly, you might not know when your wisdom teeth begin to grow in. Dental x-rays will show your wisdom teeth trying to erupt, their alignment, or presence. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, you will notice a few symptoms if your wisdom teeth are growing in and may require oral surgery for extraction.
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
- Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening mouth
- A stiff or swollen jaw
These are common signs of impacted wisdom teeth. If your teeth are not impacted, you might notice a new tooth growing in at the back of your mouth. If you notice any signs that your wisdom teeth might be growing in, it’s important to visit Dr. Urbanek at StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery to find out if you need a wisdom tooth extraction. If you don’t get an extraction soon enough when you require one, it can result in an infection, serious pain, or damage to the rest of your teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure Overview
If we determine that you need wisdom tooth extractions, we will first take a CT scan of your jaw. The scan will help us plan your extraction to make the procedure as minimally invasive as possible. To help you feel comfortable, we will provide you with one of our sedation dentistry options to keep you relaxed the entire time. It’s important to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment because the sedation inhibits your ability to drive.
Each case might involve a different procedure process. For instance, if your tooth is impacted, we will need to cut the gums in order to retrieve the tooth. In all cases, we will extract each tooth in several pieces to prevent the destruction of adjacent tissue and nerves. This makes the procedure less traumatic and influences a faster recovery time. Some patients may only require a coronectomy (removal of the crown) if the molar is fully developed.
Following your wisdom tooth extraction, you will need to take at least a few days off work to recover. Most patients require prescription pain medications to make their recovery more comfortable. We also recommend applying ice to your face and eating soft foods during recovery. We will provide you with a complete list of aftercare instructions before and after your procedure.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Wisdom teeth don’t have to disrupt your comfort or your smile. Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or you’ve simply reached the age where wisdom teeth start to appear, our team is here to help. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, Dr. Urbanek provides advanced care and a comfortable experience for every patient.
Don’t wait until wisdom teeth cause lasting damage. Call us today at (817) 587-4414 to schedule your consultation and learn how expert oral surgery in Southlake, TX, can restore your comfort and protect your oral health.
