What to Consider if Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed
It is common for a person to choose wisdom teeth extraction. This often occurs during the teenage years, before the teeth have erupted, but removal can also occur later. These third molars usually break through between the ages of 17 and 25. You will likely have two on the upper and lower jaws, though some people have fewer than that or even none at all. Your dentist will evaluate whether it makes sense to have surgery to remove the teeth. This may not necessarily be required for you.
Why removal is frequently the right decision
A dentist may start looking at a patient’s wisdom teeth when the person is in their early teenage years. An X-ray can reveal how the tooth is developing and whether there will be enough room in the jaw for it. If this is the case and the tooth erupts, it can cause jaw and gum pain, as well as pain in the wisdom tooth itself and in the surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or infections. The teeth may also grow in crooked or be misshapen.
Step up the brushing
Even if a person has room for wisdom teeth to come in properly, it might still be difficult to keep them clean. To prevent dental problems in the back of the mouth, the individual needs to be vigilant about brushing. This should happen at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. Make sure to spend several seconds each time on the third set of molars, hitting each side of the teeth.
Commit to flossing
Some people become frustrated trying to floss wisdom teeth because of their location. It takes diligence and patience to floss this area effectively. But this is an important task, as it reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Floss once a day, making sure to get back to the third molars. Gum swelling and bleeding in that area are signs that the person is not doing a good job. Effective flossing will keep the wisdom teeth healthy and strong.
Continue going to dental appointments
Patients should go to dental checkups and cleanings at least every six months. This is especially true for people who have wisdom teeth. The dentist will thoroughly clean them and look for concerns such as infections and decay. During the examination, the dentist will ensure there is enough room in the mouth for the patient to feel comfortable. Neglecting dental appointments can cause issues to go undetected.
Reasons for removing wisdom teeth
Many people do not have normally growing wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause many problems because of how each one develops or emerges. The dentist will examine the wisdom teeth first. Extraction may be necessary if a wisdom tooth fits any of the following conditions:
- Crowding. It is possible that the emerging wisdom tooth does not have enough room to erupt. If it does, it could crowd the neighboring tooth and cause pain.
- Impaction. The wisdom tooth remains beneath the gum line, which means it is impacted. The tooth will be prone to infection. I may damage the jawbone and other dental roots. It can also cause a cyst to develop.
- Partially erupted. The tooth may not erupt completely. This can attract bacteria, which can lead to oral infection and gum disease.
Some dentists recommend removing the wisdom tooth at an early age. During this time, the bone and roots are not fully formed yet. Recovery would be faster after the procedure. Preventing complicated wisdom tooth development involves extracting the wisdom tooth during young adulthood.
Removing wisdom teeth
The dentist will inspect the wisdom tooth first. Then, the dentist will explain the procedure to the patient. Numbing the area will come next once the patient agrees to the extraction. There will be pressure, but the patient will not feel pain. For impacted and partially impacted wisdom teeth, the dentist will need to cut through the gum tissue that covers the tooth. The dentist will then cut the tooth into smaller pieces before taking the pieces out.
It will take at least three minutes to extract a wisdom tooth. The length of the procedure will depend on the wisdom tooth’s situation. There will be pain and discomfort after the wisdom tooth removal. Bruising is possible. This can last for three days to two weeks. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage this.
You can keep your wisdom teeth in the right situations
Though many people have their third molars removed, it is not always necessary. If your dentist determines that you can live with these teeth, make sure you follow these guidelines. Committing to good oral hygiene is vital. As you do these things, you can avoid many of the conditions that people develop.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalassociatesofwestminster.com or call Dental Associates of Westminster at (303) 731-5715 for an appointment in our Westminster office.
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