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What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your wisdom teeth are your third molars, which typically come in at the back of the mouth during your late teens or early 20s. You may have four wisdom teeth, one located in each quadrant, while some people only have one or two wisdom teeth or none at all.
However, by the time these teeth arrive, the rest of your eyes are out and teeth firmly in place, and often there is no room to accommodate them. In this case, they may need to be removed.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are various reasons why we may suggest removing your wisdom teeth, most often because they cannot erupt fully.
When wisdom teeth cannot erupt correctly, they may try to come through sideways underneath adjacent teeth, or they may partially erupt, remaining partly covered with gum. Because these teeth are located so far back in the mouth, they can be challenging to keep clean and are prone to developing cavities. Also, gum disease is more likely to occur around these teeth.
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and infection. This can spread to neighbouring teeth. When teeth are impacted, cysts can develop around them.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Signs that your wisdom teeth are causing problems include:
- Persistent jaw pain.
- Bleeding, swollen gums around wisdom teeth.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
If you are concerned, schedule a dental exam with NYC Dentistry Center.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process Step-By-Step
Step One: Dental Exam and Digital X-Rays
A dental exam will assess if your wisdom teeth are partially erupted and identify any signs of infection. Digital X-rays enable us to examine wisdom teeth that may have yet to erupt and are located below your gum line.
We may also wish to take panoramic X-rays, which show your complete arch of upper and lower teeth, or a cone beam CT scan for a detailed 3D image.
After we have checked the position of your wisdom teeth, we can provide a custom treatment plan and explain whether removal is necessary, as well as the process required. We might suggest you have sedation dentistry to remove wisdom teeth, especially if you need all four extracted.
Step Two: Wisdom Tooth Removal
The removal process will depend on whether your wisdom teeth are visible above the gum line or are stuck in your jaw. Removing wisdom teeth that are already partially or fully erupted is a straightforward procedure. If these teeth are stuck below your jawbone, then we will need to make a small incision to expose them. The wisdom teeth will be sectioned or cut into smaller pieces for easier and more comfortable removal.
Step Three: Cleaning the Extraction Site
Once your wisdom tooth is removed, we will clean the extraction site. We may stitch the socket shut or allow it to heal on its own. We will ask you to bite down on the piece of gauze to help a blood clot form and so healing can begin.
Recovery & Aftercare
After wisdom teeth are removed, you may experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. We can give you clear instructions on how to manage these symptoms. Below are some tips to follow.
Medication
If we have prescribed any medications, please take them as directed. These will help reduce the risk of infection and discomfort.
Get Plenty of Rest
You will need time to recover and rest after oral surgery, so plan to take it easy for at least 3 to 5 days before returning to work or everyday activities.
Practice Good Oral Care
You can brush and floss the rest of your teeth normally, taking care to avoid the extraction sites. We may advise using an antibacterial mouthwash, and if so, move it around your mouth by moving your head from side to side. It’s important to avoid any vigorous swishing actions that could dislodge the blood clots protecting the empty sockets.
Ice Packs
Minor facial swelling is a normal side effect, but you can reduce it by applying an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.
Diet
Initially, stick to softer foods that are cooler and more comfortable to eat. Avoid anything that is hard or crunchy, especially anything that could get stuck around the empty sockets.
Risks & Considerations
Wisdom tooth removal is a low-risk procedure; however, you can expect to experience some temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising. It’s rare for an infection to develop after wisdom tooth extractions, but signs to look out for include increasing pain, an unpleasant taste, or bad breath.
Dry socket is a condition that can occur in a small percentage of cases, where a protective blood clot in the empty socket becomes dislodged, allowing the socket to become infected. It is easy to treat, as we can clean out the socket and cover it with a protective dressing, allowing it to begin healing normally.
Remember, our friendly dental team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns.
FAQs
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At What Age Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Although many people have their wisdom teeth extracted when they are young, they can be removed at any age. If you are older, the process may be slightly more complex, as your teeth are likely more firmly fused in the jawbone. However, we can still ensure they are removed as comfortably as possible. It remains a low-risk procedure even for older individuals.
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How Long Will the Procedure Take?
A straightforward wisdom tooth removal typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. More complex oral surgeries will require longer treatment times. We can provide a more precise timeframe for your wisdom tooth surgery when you visit our dental office.
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Does Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your wisdom tooth extraction should be covered by dental insurance since it is necessary for protecting oral health.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264