Your wisdom teeth, also known as your third set of molars, are the last adult teeth to erupt. People usually have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom, but some people have fewer or none. These teeth often appear between the ages of 18 and 22 when all of your other permanent teeth are already in place, which can cause a variety of dental issues. For various reasons, we at Walnut Ridge Dental Care strongly advise you to consider wisdom teeth removal. This surgical operation is time-consuming, but it will prevent pain and discomfort to your existing teeth. If you begin to have unexplained toothaches in the back of your mouth, it may be time to see our clinic to see if they need to be removed. If you live in the Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, region and are considering wisdom tooth removal, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why Should You Remove your Wisdom Teeth?
- Except for wisdom teeth, all of your permanent teeth will have erupted and fully grown into your mouth by the age of 18-22. Because there isn’t enough room in your jaw for wisdom teeth, and they often come in at an angle. As a result, when wisdom teeth erupt, the surrounding molars can be severely damaged.
- If your wisdom teeth grow straight up, they may begin to push all of your teeth forward to accommodate them. This results in significant overcrowding and crookedness in your already straight teeth. When these teeth are forced to move together, they become misaligned and cause severe pain.
- One of the main reasons for wisdom teeth removal is that, even if there is enough room for them to grow in, they are in a difficult-to-reach place and can accumulate a lot of plaque. This can lead to tooth decay. Some people may struggle to clean their wisdom teeth, necessitating extensive restorative procedures.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
The first step in having your wisdom teeth removed is to seek a referral from one of our dental specialists, who strongly advises you to do so. A separate appointment will be set for your operation once everything is in place to have them removed.
Because this is a surgical treatment, the patient will require deep anesthesia and sedative to keep them still. IV sedation is usually used to put the patient to sleep, with the heart rate and breathing being continuously monitored.
The surgeon will first expose the gums directly above the wisdom teeth and expand the tooth socket to make the tooth easier to remove. Depending on the tooth’s location, the surgeon may need to cut into the jaw bone. Once the tooth is removed, the hole will be cleaned and sewn shut. The length of the process is determined by the number of wisdom teeth being removed.
Recovery Process
Everyone’s recovery time for wisdom teeth is different; however, most people take between 7-10 days to feel like their mouth is back to normal. You will notice some swelling in your mouth and stiffness in your jaw bone after your wisdom teeth are removed. It’s vital to consume soft foods and avoid drinking with a straw because the sucking sensation can produce a dry socket. To keep your mouth clean and prevent infection, we recommend rinsing it with saltwater. For any lasting pain, the doctor will prescribe a pain reliever.
We want you to know that you’re in good hands when you come to Walnut Ridge Dental Care. Dr. Patel has the greatest level of education, and his patients consistently praise him for his professionalism in handling each scenario. Come visit us today! Whether you are a newcomer to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, or a long-time resident, we are here to serve you!
