Do I have to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth removed, but the majority of people do not have space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow in normally. The third molars have a tendency to grow in at an angle or become impacted, which can cause infections, discomfort, and other complications.
The best way to find out if wisdom teeth removal is right for your oral health is to undergo an oral examination by a dental professional, preferably before you start to experience any symptoms. Visiting the dentist regularly (especially during your teen years and early 20s) will allow you to track the development of your wisdom teeth and prevent complications later on. An exam with a dental professional can help you determine whether or not you need an extraction, even if your wisdom teeth have already fully developed.
Why does a surgeon have to extract my wisdom teeth?
Most patients have their wisdom teeth removed before they emerge through the gums, and in many cases, the molars become trapped behind the gums. Gum and bone tissue may need to be removed or moved to access to your teeth, and this process requires more advanced surgical techniques than other dental procedures. Additionally, a surgeon is more qualified to handle any complications during the wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also receive the highest anesthesia training of any dental professional. Whenever undergoing anesthesia, it’s important to ensure that your doctor is trained to administer anesthesia properly, and our surgeons use all the most reliable monitoring tools to ensure your safety.
Will my other teeth be affected after wisdom teeth removal?
Removing wisdom teeth shouldn’t affect your bite much, although your bite may feel a bit different for a couple of days. After removing a tooth, the pressure from your bite is distributed across your other teeth, which can feel a bit different than it did when you had more teeth sharing the burden of the force. In fact, removing your wisdom teeth can prevent your other teeth from becoming overcrowded later on.
What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth growth?
Wisdom teeth usually don’t show any symptoms until after they start causing problems, so it’s a good idea to get them checked even before you notice symptoms (during your teen years).
A few of the symptoms of wisdom teeth erupting or becoming impacted include pain, redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the area behind your existing molars. Crowding of your other teeth is another common symptom. If an infection is developing, you may also notice an unpleasant taste or odor in your mouth.
Is there pain during the wisdom teeth procedure?
Wisdom teeth patients generally receive a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free treatment. The majority of patients also choose to undergo IV sedation, allowing them to sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake up after it is over.
It is normal to experience some pain or soreness after surgery during the recovery period. Most patients report some soreness around the surgical sites for a few days after surgery. Your surgeon will likely provide you with a prescription for pain medication to control any discomfort, and maintaining a soft food diet may also be more comfortable for the first few days after surgery. At Southern Surgical Arts, your comfort and safety are our top priority, which is why you will receive extensive pre- and post-operative care instructions with tips on how to control pain and make your recovery as pleasant and relaxing as possible.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Everyone’s body reacts to surgery differently, and your recovery time may vary depending on your age and the condition of your wisdom teeth. In general, most patients have to eat a soft food diet for a couple of days after surgery. The surgical sites themselves will take about a week to heal fully, and you will have to keep the tooth sockets clean until the healing is complete. Most patients feel more active and ready to return to their normal schedules the third or fourth day after surgery, even if the surgical sites have not yet fully closed.
Where can I have my wisdom teeth removed near Tyler, TX, and Palestine, TX?
Southern Surgical Arts offers oral surgery services to patients all over the East Texas region, including wisdom teeth removal. Our oral surgeons, Drs. Stone, Stone, and Barker, have years of experience performing wisdom teeth extractions. If you are interested in scheduling an initial consultation, please contact a member of our office to schedule your appointment.