Wisdom Teeth Removal - General Dentistry

Wisdom Teeth
Removal In Boston

Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

It’s not always necessary to remove wisdom teeth, but extraction is often recommended if they cause problems like pain, crowding, infection, or gum disease. Wisdom teeth that are impacted, partially erupted, or difficult to clean can lead to complications that may affect other teeth and overall oral health. However, if they are fully erupted, healthy, and not causing issues, removal may not be needed. We can assess your situation with an exam and X-rays to determine the best course of action.

Impacted molars are among the most common dental issues. When a tooth is impacted, it fails to emerge correctly and pushes against neighboring molars at the rear of the mouth. This can cause inflammation and other problems. The solution usually involves an odontectomy, the official name for removing impacted teeth.

Another common issue is tooth decay. It can be hard to clean wisdom teeth because of their location at the back of the mouth. Their position makes cleaning difficult and can lead to accelerated decay, swelling of the surrounding gum, and the formation of pockets.

Often, the best solution is wisdom teeth extraction so that they can’t cause any more problems. In our evolutionary past, wisdom teeth were necessary. But today, many dentists consider them to be unnecessary. You don’t need your third molars for chewing or even for the structure of your jaw or face. Removing them does not make a difference to your bite.

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How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Third molar extraction involves an anesthetic. Unlike removing teeth from other parts of the mouth, extracting your back molars can be more complicated due to being partially covered by the gum. The jawbone itself can also pose challenges during extraction.

To ensure patients’ comfort during the procedure, most wisdom teeth extractions are carried out with the help of sedation dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation, please speak with our dental team. We are happy to provide answers and address any concerns before your procedure.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

The third molars typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, it’s a good idea to extract them as a preventative measure for good dental health. By removing the third molars before they fully emerge, you can avoid painful and costly issues.

Insufficient jaw space may prevent some wisdom teeth from fully emerging, resulting in impaction. This can cause swelling, pain, and infection. Alternatively, wisdom teeth may erupt at an angle, creating a gum flap that traps food particles and leads to severe gum disease, swelling, and infection.

If left untreated, infection or impaction can cause bone loss in the surrounding jaw. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues promptly.

Wisdom teeth are removed under anesthesia within 30-60 minutes. Recovery typically takes a few days to a week.

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What Happens During The Procedure?

The procedure is typically performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon and generally takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.

Here are the steps involved in wisdom teeth removal:

Anesthesia: The first step in the process is administering anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. The anesthesia can be local, meaning it numbs only the extraction site, or general, which puts the patient to sleep. In most cases, the patient is sedated using general anesthesia.
Incision: After the anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone.
Tooth removal: Once the tooth is visible, your dentist uses special instruments to loosen the tooth from the jawbone and remove it from the socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces to remove it.
Cleaning and stitching: After the tooth is removed, your dentist cleans the extraction site and removes any debris or bone fragments. They may also place stitches to help the gum tissue heal properly.
Post-operative care: Your DPB dentist provides post-operative instructions to follow, including how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort or swelling. They may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics, if necessary.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days to a week, during which time the patient should avoid strenuous physical activity, smoking, and eating hard or sticky foods. It is also recommended to rest and take it easy for the first 24-48 hours, and to apply ice to the cheek to minimize swelling. Following the instructions provided by the dental professional can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

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When Should You Go To Your Dentist About Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms. Many can hide under the gum for years without you even realizing they’re there.

On other occasions, the tooth can become infected and cause damage to other teeth in the surrounding area. When should you go and visit your dentist?

You’re experiencing jaw pain
You have chronic bad breath with no discernible source
The gum at the back of your mouth is red and swollen
Your gums bleed or are tender to the touch
You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth
You struggle to open your mouth

When wisdom teeth become infected, the surrounding area becomes inflamed as the body’s immune system activates in the area. The swelling is designed to protect the surrounding tissue and kill off the infection, but it often causes pain. It’s not uncommon for the infected site to exude pus, leaving a foul taste in your mouth. It may also be painful and difficult for you to open your jaw because of the extent of swelling around the gum and surrounding jaw muscles.

If you have an infection, you need to visit the dentist. The dentist may give you antibiotics to help reduce the infection – something that is often necessary before wisdom tooth removal.

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Contact us today if you think your wisdom teeth require extraction or if you would like to discuss your options. Our team can assess the condition and recommend an appropriate plan of action. If you’re experiencing discomfort or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.