Do I Need To Get My Wisdom Teeth Extracted and When Is the Best Time To Do So?
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, usually between ages 17 and 21. Unfortunately, these third molars are notorious for causing a host of oral health problems and often need extraction. At Revive Family Dentistry, we utilize gentle techniques and offer sedation dentistry options to deliver the stress-free, comfortable care you deserve!
Why Would You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Wisdom teeth may require removal for a host of reasons. To start with, most people don’t have the room needed in the jaw to accommodate the new set of molars, often resulting in them being impacted, or in other words, trapped in the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can start growing inwards, leading to complications such as infections or even cysts. Worse yet, these third molars tend to erupt at the wrong angle, putting pressure on the neighboring teeth and pushing them out of alignment.
It’s challenging to reach and clean the wisdom teeth properly, being so far in the back of the mouth. That leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and infection, which in turn can cause damage to the surrounding teeth and the jawbone. At Revive Family Dentistry, we typically recommend removing any problematic wisdom teeth and those that may cause future oral health concerns.
How Will You Know if Your Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction?
At Revive Family Dentistry, we encourage our valued patients to maintain their routine dental visits for long-term healthy smiles. Once the wisdom teeth come in, we will monitor their growth. Routine x-rays will reveal the direction the third molars are growing, whether they are impacted, and whether they are fully grown. We will evaluate the health of your wisdom teeth and their potential for causing problems to determine if they require extraction.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
If your wisdom teeth start causing problems, it’s best to extract them as soon as possible. The earlier these third molars are removed, the better, especially if they pose a threat to your oral health. In general, it is much easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger patients before the roots fully form. Otherwise, the extraction procedure becomes more complex, and the area may take longer to heal.
What Should You Expect?
Most of our patients report minor to no discomfort thanks to local anesthetics and the sedation dentistry options we offer. We will provide you with post-extraction instructions and prescription pain medication for your comfort during the first few days after the procedure. Please contact our office immediately if you develop fever, shortness of breath, severe pain, swelling, vomiting, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Following your extraction, an ice pack will help reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Refrain from drinking through a straw, smoking, forceful spitting, or vigorous rinsing for the first 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal to avoid dislodging the clot forming in the socket. Otherwise, you risk developing a very painful complication known as “dry socket.”
Wisdom Teeth Extractions Near Me
Visit Revive Family Dentistry in Grand Prairie, TX, to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and to determine if that is your best option. Our team is committed to providing outstanding, gentle care each and every day! Call us at (469) 340-4002 and schedule your appointment today!