Wisdom Teeth - A Patient’s Primer

Most people develop their wisdom teeth while they are teenagers, or perhaps in young adulthood. Some have no issues at all with this third and final set of molars, but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Many end up with poorly aligned or impacted wisdom teeth that are the cause of serious discomfort, pose a risk of infection, and require removal. Your dentist may suggest you have wisdom teeth removed even before problems arise. This is done so that you do not develop wisdom teeth pain or so those teeth do not develop issues that would make removal more difficult and more painful. If you require wisdom teeth removal, the complexity of the procedure will depend on a number of factors. Impacted wisdom teeth, which are partially erupted, can have bacterial infection around the tooth that can cause serious pain, stiffness of the jaw, and swelling. Also, impacted wisdom teeth can be more vulnerable to tooth decay than other teeth, because they are hard to reach when you brush and floss. To determine whether or not you need wisdom teeth removal, consult with your dentist. X-rays can be taken on a regular basis to check the positioning of these teeth and to help assess whether removal is required. Impacted wisdom teeth are harder to remove than teeth that are completely erupted. In the former case, you will have to have an incision made in your gums, and any bone covering the teeth will need to be removed. The anesthetic you’re given during your wisdom teeth removal will depend on the position and condition of your teeth, whether you have impacted wisdom teeth, and your level of anxiety and pain tolerance. Recovery experiences vary widely among patients as well, but may include bleeding and facial swelling. After your wisdom teeth removal, you will be able to take pain medication, as well as antibiotics to stave off infection. You should stick with a soft diet for the first few days and make sure to brush all teeth except those adjacent to the extraction area. Complication from your wisdom teeth removal may include dry socket, which requires treatment from your dentist. Paresthesia is much less common, and is the result of damage to the nerves during the procedure, which can cause numbness of your lip, tongue, or chin that may last for a short period of time, but sometimes is permanent. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience unusual pain or discomfort after your wisdom teeth removal or feel that you are not healing properly. To learn about our family dentistry practice in Rockledge, call Rockledge Dental today at (321) 252-0825 or make an appointment. Rockledge Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Rockledge. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Rockledge Dental, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Rockledge Dental.