What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction
For most people, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to come in. For some people, these molars also need to come out. If troubles with your wisdom teeth or a recommendation from your dentist have you considering the benefits of wisdom teeth extraction in College Park, then reach out to College Park Dental. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Despite their name, wisdom teeth have nothing to do with intelligence. Their name actually comes from the fact that these molars generally emerge when people are older and, hopefully, a bit wiser. You can expect wisdom teeth to appear sometime between the ages of 17 and 25.
In the past, tough, fibrous foods made these third molars essential. Over time, diets and human jaws have evolved and changed. Now, some people have a smooth experience with their wisdom teeth. Others have teeth that come in at crazy angles, partially erupt, or don’t come in at all. For them, wisdom teeth extraction may be a smart choice.
Why Is Having Your Wisdom Teeth Out a Smart Choice?
Wisdom teeth are situated in the very back of the mouth. Even when they come in properly, they can be tricky to clean. If they fail to emerge correctly, dental hygiene becomes an incredible challenge. Extraction clears the problem and makes cleaning your teeth and gums easier, reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
If you have wisdom teeth that haven’t yet emerged, their movement can cause pain whenever they attempt to erupt. It can also disrupt your bite. Seeing an oral surgeon in College Park to discuss the pros and cons of wisdom teeth extraction can help you decide if the time is right to move forward with extraction.
Can Keeping My Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Delaying wisdom teeth extraction can set the stage for various complications:
- Crowding: If a jaw doesn’t have room for additional teeth, emerging wisdom teeth can push existing teeth, causing crowding or misalignments.
- Damage: When wisdom teeth come in crooked, they can smash into surrounding teeth. This increases the chances of decay, gum disease, and other damage.
- Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth lack the room to develop. This can trigger pain, infection, and harm to surrounding structures.
- Infection: Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted are nearly impossible to clean, so they create a perfect harbor for bacteria. This can quickly lead to infection, swelling, and pain.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
When you’re contemplating wisdom teeth extraction in College Park, it’s only natural to want to know how the procedure works. The first step is a consult with an oral surgeon at College Park Dental. Our specialists are experts who know exactly what it takes to get the best results when removing wisdom teeth. During your visit, they’ll examine your health situation, take X-rays or other imaging tests, and discuss any questions or concerns. Then, they'll draw up a custom treatment plan that includes the right anesthesia option.
While it may be natural to be a bit nervous, you’ll be in good hands. You’ll receive clear preoperative instructions. These generally include things like how to handle any medications, whether you need to restrict what you eat or drink, and when any limits begin. Our team is always happy to answer your questions.
Your procedure begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Once it takes effect, our oral surgeon makes an incision and removes the wisdom teeth. Sometimes, a tooth is divided into smaller pieces first to make removal smoother. Then, the incision is stitched up. While complex cases can take longer, a wisdom teeth extraction procedure is normally completed in about an hour.
What Is Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Extraction Like?
You may experience some discomfort immediately after your surgery, and you’ll definitely need a ride home from a trusted friend or family member. Full recovery from this type of oral surgery takes a few weeks, but most people can return to work or school in three to five days.
To help your body heal while you’re recovering, take care to follow your postoperative instructions. Rest. Avoid straws and carbonated beverages. Eat soft foods before progressing to semi-soft foods. Then, gradually return to a more normal diet as your mouth heals. When brushing your teeth, be careful not to disturb the surgical site until it has healed. Finally, contact your oral surgeon’s office in College Park if you have questions or concerns.
If you have problematic wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth extraction can be a smart strategy for reducing your risk of oral health drama. With a welcoming atmosphere, a friendly staff, and experts who specialize in oral surgeries like the extraction of wisdom teeth, College Park Dental is ready to assist you. To learn more about our services and schedule your consultation, contact us today.
