Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and usually do not develop until the age of 18 to 24. Wisdom teeth may appear at this time, creating pain and inflammation due to the crowded space they create in the back of the mouth. Those experiencing any pain related to the wisdom teeth should be seen right away, as infections can develop. Other serious health problems can occur if wisdom teeth are not removed, including damage to gum tissue and issues with chewing or biting.
Wisdom teeth removal has no scientifically proven health benefits. Despite this, many people still require treatment for various reasons.
How Dentists Know When to Remove Wisdom Teeth
To determine if your wisdom teeth must be removed, dentists will examine X-rays of your teeth to verify their findings and take a closer look at the location and growth of the teeth. For instance, if teeth are misaligned or grow awkwardly, they may push against one another, creating pain as well as constraints on the movement of your jaw.
Dentists know when to remove wisdom teeth based on several factors. Whether your wisdom teeth are causing you to experience a form of pain or X-rays reveal the teeth are growing unusually, professionals will want to take measures to help prevent you from suffering.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are usually only removed if they cause problems or are likely to in the future. Whether you have difficulty chewing or experience pain, wisdom teeth can cause unexpected problems.
However, there are certain reasons why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. Some of the reasons include:
- Pain in the back of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located
- Gum inflammation
- Wisdom teeth interfere with other dental or jaw-related treatments
- Difficulty chewing food or biting
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Formation of cysts around new wisdom teeth
- Cavities that destroy tooth enamel
- Wisdom teeth are preventing other teeth from developing properly
- Wisdom teeth pose a potential risk to the jaw
If you are experiencing any of these issues, consider reaching out to a professional to determine the cause of your pain and its location. Those with gum inflammation or developing cavities may require other dental procedures rather than wisdom tooth removal. If this is the case, a professional dentist will discuss treatment options with you.
The Process of Removing Wisdom Teeth
To remove wisdom teeth, a dentist must follow several steps. For starters, wisdom teeth can only be pulled out with dental tools. Additionally, wisdom teeth must be above the gum line. Dentists and oral surgeons may follow these steps to accurately extract the teeth:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the extraction area, preventing pain.
- General anesthesia provides sedation and comfort.
- Incisions are created over the areas of your wisdom teeth.
- Bone tissue is removed for better access to the wisdom teeth.
- The surgical site is cleaned, and the wound is closed with stitches.
- Gauze is placed over the surgical site to prevent excess bleeding.
Relatively painless, wisdom teeth removal offers relief for those in pain. Once the wisdom teeth are extracted and you are healing from the procedure, you may experience discomfort or mild pain from the new wound. Swelling may also occur, but medications can help during recovery.
Receive Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Encino Family Dental, our professionals have years of experience treating patients. We offer wisdom tooth removal and a variety of other dental services.
Contact Encino dentist today to learn more about our treatment services. Schedule a consultation with a professional to discuss your oral health.