Some people live their entire adult lives with wisdom teeth. However, many people need to have wisdom tooth removal at one point or another to protect their general mouth health. While it may sound like a scary procedure, this form of tooth extraction is actually very routine with minimal pain. Here is some information about wisdom tooth extraction.
When is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come into your mouth. While most of our teeth come in after our baby teeth fall out, wisdom teeth do not appear until much later, if at all. Most people find that their wisdom teeth “erupt” between the ages of 16 and 25.
However, these molars often enter a mouth that is already crowded. Sometimes, there is no room for these teeth to come in cleanly. Wisdom teeth may:
- Erupt crooked into the mouth
- Surface only partially due to blocking by other molars
- Be prevented from rising at all
When wisdom teeth are trapped in the mouth beneath gum tissue in your jaw, they are said to be impacted. This generally requires wisdom tooth removal to prevent complications in the mouth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted can also cause mouth problems. They can cause food to get trapped in the gums, making it difficult to floss or be responsible for pain and swelling. Since every individual is different, you should see your dentist, who can advise you on whether you need a wisdom tooth extraction.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Include?
Wisdom tooth removal is a routine procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. Different types of anesthesia are available to prevent pain and discomfort:
- Local: which provides numbing
- Sedation: which suppresses consciousness
- General: which enables the loss of consciousness
Once you are sedated, your dentist may be able to remove your teeth after rocking them to loosen their place in your mouth. Or, she or he may need to cut your bones or gums to perform the tooth extraction. Then, in many cases, the dentist stitches up the gums to promote healing.
Following extraction, gauze is placed in your mouth to control bleeding and encourage clotting. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth and what to do for pain management. Wisdom tooth removal requires soft foods and a lot of hydration, along with restricted activity, for several days until your mouth heals.
Contact Tribeca Dental Care to Learn More Today
If you wish to have your wisdom teeth evaluated, Tribeca Dental Care in Manhattan, NYC can help! Contact us today to set up an appointment for a consultation. Our knowledgeable, compassionate dental team is here to walk you through every step of the procedure so you can have the best experience possible, as well as provide excellent general dental care for you and your family.
Address: 402 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Email: info@tribecadentalcare.com
Phone: (877) 721-2964
Fax: (877) 721-2964