Wisdom Teeth Removal Newtown: When is it the Right Time?

Wisdom teeth removal Newtown services are a common procedure for many people, but it’s not always clear when the right time to get your wisdom teeth removed is. It’s important to make sure you understand the risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal before making a decision, as the process can have serious implications for your long-term oral health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when it may be the right time to consider wisdom teeth removal Newtown services.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they come in at a time when you are considered to be older and wiser.

Wisdom teeth are vestigial organs, meaning they serve no real purpose in modern humans. Our ancestors needed these teeth to help them chew and grind tough foods like roots, nuts, and raw meats. However, as our diet evolved, so did the size of our jaws, leaving less room for these extra teeth to properly emerge.

For many people, wisdom teeth cause no problems and can remain in the mouth without causing any discomfort or issues. However, in some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge or grow in the correct position. This can lead to a range of problems, including pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and overcrowding of the mouth.

Due to the potential complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth, it is often recommended to consider their removal. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can help prevent future dental problems and maintain optimal oral health. Your dentist or oral surgeon can assess your individual case and provide guidance on whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you.

Signs that you may need wisdom teeth removal

While not all people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, there are certain signs that can indicate the need for this procedure. These include:

1. Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth or jaw: If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth or jaw, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected.
2. Swelling or redness in the gums: If you notice any swelling or redness in your gums, especially in the back of your mouth, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing issues.
3. Difficulty opening your mouth: If you find it difficult to open your mouth fully, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing issues.
4. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth: If you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, this could be a sign of an infection or decay in your wisdom teeth.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

Reasons to consider wisdom teeth removal

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge properly are called impacted wisdom teeth. They can grow in different directions and cause problems like gum infections, decay, or even damage to adjacent teeth.

2. Crowded Teeth:

Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and shift your other teeth. If you’ve had braces or other orthodontic treatments, wisdom teeth can reverse your progress and even undo the results.

3. Gum Disease:

If you’re already prone to gum disease, wisdom teeth can worsen your condition. They’re harder to clean and increase your risk of infections.

4. Tooth Decay:

If wisdom teeth emerge partially or crookedly, it’s difficult to clean them properly, and they may start to decay.

5. Chronic Pain:

Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and pain in the jaw and surrounding areas. Sometimes, they even lead to migraines, headaches, and neck pain.

Removing wisdom teeth early is often easier and less painful than waiting until they cause complications. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your options.

The procedure for wisdom teeth removal

Once your dentist or oral surgeon has determined that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, they will discuss the procedure with you. Generally, the procedure will be done in the oral surgeon’s office, under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, depending on the number of teeth being removed and your level of anxiety.

During the procedure, the oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums and remove any bone blocking the wisdom teeth. Then, they will carefully extract the teeth, making sure to keep the roots intact to minimize the risk of complications.

The length of the procedure will depend on how many wisdom teeth need to be removed and the complexity of the case. You should expect to be in the office for a few hours, including time for pre-operative preparations and post-operative recovery.

It is important to note that wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, and as such, it comes with some risks. You may experience bleeding, swelling, and discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but your oral surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help minimize these symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery.

Aftercare and recovery tips

After undergoing wisdom teeth removal, it’s essential to take proper care of your mouth to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Here are some aftercare and recovery tips to keep in mind:

1. Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation. Apply the compresses for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, taking a break of the same duration between applications.
2. Avoid spitting, rinsing, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site.
3. Avoid smoking, as it can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
4. Eat soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days and gradually introduce solid foods as your mouth heals.
5. Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater several times a day, starting 24 hours after the surgery, to keep the area clean.
6. Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon to manage any discomfort or pain.
7. Avoid vigorous physical activities, including exercise and sports, for at least a week after the surgery.

By following these aftercare tips, you can help ensure proper healing and prevent any complications following wisdom teeth removal. If you experience any excessive bleeding, severe pain, or fever, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

FAQs

1. What are the risks of keeping wisdom teeth?

There are several risks associated with keeping wisdom teeth, including overcrowding, tooth decay, gum disease, cysts, and infections. These can all lead to discomfort and pain, and may require additional dental procedures in the future.

2. Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

While you will be given anaesthesia during the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and swelling afterwards. However, most patients report that the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

3. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction. You will need to stay in the dental office for a few hours afterwards for observation.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal may seem like a daunting prospect, but it can actually be a straightforward and relatively painless procedure that can help you avoid serious dental problems down the line. It’s important to consider wisdom teeth removal if you’re experiencing any of the signs we’ve mentioned in this post, or if you have any concerns about your dental health.

At Newtown Dental Care, we offer safe and effective wisdom teeth removal services that can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Our experienced dental professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your unique needs and preferences.

If you think you may need wisdom teeth removal, don’t hesitate to contact our team today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you make the best decision for your dental health.