By their late teens or early 20s, most people receive their final set of permanent teeth known as wisdom teeth. Technically, no one needs these teeth. They may have helped our ancient ancestors, but they don’t do much for us today. Most people today have smaller mouths, which is the reason we don’t need these third molars.
If you’re approaching your late teens or early 20s, you may be worried about what will happen with your third molars. But you don’t need to worry because today, we are here to guide you and give some important information about your wisdom teeth, reasons you may need to remove them, how they are removed, and how wisdom teeth removal in Livermore can help you.
Is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
Believe it or not, there are some people that don’t get their wisdom teeth at all. The reason for this is usually related to their genetics. If you already have your wisdom teeth, it may be a good idea to consider getting them removed.
Not everyone will choose to have their wisdom teeth removed but there are some health reasons you may want to do it. Below is a list of reasons you may want to think about removing your wisdom teeth.
- They can cause Pericoronitis, a tissue inflammation condition that can occur around the partially erupted wisdom tooth. It can cause discomfort, pain, and visible swelling in the gums, especially on lower teeth.
- Wisdom teeth can become impacted. This means that they don’t come out completely and can potentially cause inflammation or dangerous infections. This can also damage nearby teeth.
- Tooth decay as a result of wisdom teeth is also a common issue. The last permanent teeth are very likely to develop cavities which can lead to dental decay if untreated.
- There’s an increased likelihood of jaw and sinus problems, including cysts. If this is left untreated, it can damage the nerves of the jaws and cause sinus pain, congestion, and pressure.
The Procedure: Wisdom Teeth Removal with Livermore Dentist
There may be some small differences in the overall procedure, but for the most part it should follow a basic pattern. The dentist will make a small incision into the gum tissue. This is to uncover the tooth. Then, he will attempt to separate the tooth from the gum and the bone. Keep in mind that there are some situations where the tooth has curved roots or is very large. If that is the case, the dentist will cut it into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
The dentist will then use sutures to reposition the gum tissue. In most cases, these sutures are dissolvable which means there will be no need for follow-up appointments.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery with Dentist
Some patients, especially those with minimum complications, will only need a few days to recover from their wisdom teeth extraction. The Livermore Dentist may instruct you to use Tylenol or Ibuprofen to manage any pain. If symptoms persist, the dentist may prescribe other, more effective drugs. Immediately after the extraction, ensure that the cotton gauze is changed regularly, especially if it becomes soaked with blood.
Additionally, the dentist will help stem any bleeding. The bleeding should not continue after 24 hours. To help the bleeding stop, you will be required to prop your head up. If there are any cases of pain, swelling, or discomfort, then you should ice that side.
Make sure that you take your time in easing back into your normal lifestyle. Your dentist will likely recommend for you to rest in a comfortable position so that you can relax, manage the pain, and stop bleeding. Avoid crunchy and hard foods. In fact, you may want to stick to mashed potatoes, soups and pudding for the week or so following your wisdom teeth removal in Livermore.
After some time, you will have healed and will be in a better position to start chewing hard foods. If that is the case, then avoid chewing near the surgery site. Don’t use chewing gum, suck anything using straws, or do anything else that could harm the site.
Important Wisdom Teeth Symptoms Livermore Dentists Can Help With
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause symptoms that your Livermore dentist should be able to help you with. Some of them include:
- Bad Breath
- Jaw Pain
- Red and swollen gums
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Questions to Ask Your Livermore Dentist about Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftermath
There are several wisdom teeth removal facts that you should know before, during, and after extraction. That’s why we’ve put together some of the questions to ask your dentist about the aftermath and recovery of wisdom teeth extraction.
How long does it take to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction?
Depending on the method of extraction used, it will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fully recover. If you have a normal extraction, you should recover within a week, but a serious wisdom teeth surgery can take up to two weeks for a full recovery.
What can’t you do after your wisdom teeth removal?
Your dentist will likely advise you to avoid touching the wounded area, chewing hard foods, using straws, and chewing gum. Neither should you vigorously rinse your mouth or apply ice on the area outside the wounded site.
How can I help my site heal faster?
To help your mouth heal faster, watch out for what you eat, open your mouth regularly, rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water, and follow all the instructions from your oral surgeon. Additional measures may include resting as much as possible and avoiding chewing gum and hard foods.
When is extraction of wisdom teeth not an option?
It’s true that there are some cases where wisdom teeth extraction is not an option. Regardless of whether these teeth are impacted or not, they may be removed to prevent any oncoming issues. Though, there are some cases when extraction is not the best option. The removal of these teeth can lead to nerve damage which can cause more problems. In such a case, our Livermore Dentist will help you decide whether to extract or refer you to a specialist oral surgeon.
If you’re interested in learning more about wisdom tooth removal and how the dentists at Foothill Dental Care. Give our office a call today at (925) 961-5484.