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Wisdom Teeth Are Usually Problematic

Wisdom teeth, are the third set of molars that emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and usually become problematic – even for those who have the best oral health. These teeth are supposed to grow in just behind the other molars, but that doesn’t always happen. Often, the wisdom teeth don’t erupt through the gums at all and become impacted. This usually happens because the jaw is too small to fit four extra teeth.

Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dental of Eagle cites four problems related to wisdom teeth:

Decay and Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that only partially erupt through the gums are difficult to clean and are more at risk for decay. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene at home and keep regular cleaning appointments to prevent decay. Impacted wisdom teeth often become decayed or infected because they’re hard to reach with your toothbrush. Fluid-filled cysts or tumors occasionally form around the bottom of an impacted wisdom tooth, causing damage to the jawbone, in the nerves in the area and nearby teeth.

Damage to Nearby Teeth

Wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles, pushing into adjacent molars and causing crowding and misalignment. It’s not unusual for wisdom teeth to be positioned crooked or sideways in the jaw, keeping them from erupting into the mouth properly. Infection can be the result.   Healthy teeth can be damaged as impacted wisdom teeth push against the neighboring second molars.

Risk of Gum Disease

Any part of the mouth that is hard to keep clean is a breeding ground for bacteria that causes gum disease. With wisdom teeth sitting at the very back of the mouth, they are difficult to reach. Bacteria around the impacted tooth can lead to gum disease and enter your bloodstream, adversely affecting your heart and other organs of your body.

Symptoms of Infection

Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected. Signs of such an infection include red or swollen gums, jaw pain, swelling around the jaw and difficulty opening the mouth. Dr. Porter should be consulted promptly if these symptoms are present.

How Will I Know if I Should Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Dr. Porter has performed over ten thousand successful wisdom teeth removal procedures during his dental career, and he considers it his best skill. Dental x-rays will reveal whether wisdom teeth will be a problem as you enter adulthood. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, consult with Dr. Porter about the advisability of having them removed.

The Best Time to Remove My Wisdom Teeth

When Dr. Porter detects problems or feels that your wisdom teeth have the potential to create complications in your mouth, he will most likely suggest that you have one or all of your wisdom teeth removed – even if they aren’t causing you problems at the moment.  When wisdom teeth cause problems, removing them is the “wisest” thing to do. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) wisdom teeth are also easier to remove when you’re younger, because the roots are not completely developed and the bones around the teeth aren’t as dense. This means there is a slimmer chance of damaging surrounding nerves, teeth or bone during removal.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

At Premier Dentistry of Eagle, we provide an environment of safety and comfort for all our services with Dr. Porter at the helm. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and have a highly trained team to monitor the administration of anesthesia. Most wisdom teeth removal can be performed using a local anesthesia, oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Dr. Porter will discuss your sedation options with you prior to your procedure. After your wisdom teeth are removed, you will rest in our office for a short time until you are fully awake and steady. When you are discharged, you will need to have someone drive you home and we will send you with a postoperative kit to care for your mouth; consisting of care instructions; antibiotics, gauze and a prescription for any necessary pain medication.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Surgery?

After surgery, bruising, swelling and tenderness in the face and neck are common. Ice packs and pain medications should help ease the pain. A certain amount of bleeding can be expected following surgery and you will need to restrict your activities the day of surgery. In most cases, you can resume normal activity the next day, or when you feel comfortable.

You will be required to eat soft foods for up to a week following your oral surgery. What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal Foods such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pudding, ice cream, cottage cheese, applesauce and fruit smoothies are a sampling of the foods to plan on. Five to six glasses of milk, water or juice will prevent dehydration, and you will be restricted from drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours. The sucking action required for using a straw has the potential to unseat the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket and it will make you more susceptible to a dry socket. The socket is the hole in the bone where the tooth has been removed. After a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. If that clot is dislodged too soon, it can leave the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluid, and anything else that enters the mouth, and it can lead to infection and severe pain that lasts for several days.

(04/25/2024)
by Premier Dentistry Of Eagle

More Information: https://www.premierdentistryofeagle.com/wisdom-teeth-are-usually-problematic/

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