Teeth are one of the most important parts of our bodies and we are told from a young age that we need to take care of our teeth. But what happens when our natural teeth don’t work the way they should and end up causing us pain and discomfort? This is what happens for some people when it comes to their wisdom teeth. These teeth can be a major pain, literally, for many people so it is important to understand what wisdom teeth are and why they can cause problems!

Wisdom Teeth 101

Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the jaw, behind the molars. One tooth on each side of the jaw top and bottom comes in behind the molars and is often the very last tooth a person gets. Usually, the wisdom teeth come in somewhere around age 15-25 but they can come in later or earlier in some cases. These teeth will start to push their way through the back gums if there is room. And this is where the problem lies.

In most cases, the teeth do not have room to come in normally and end up impacted. This is a condition where either none or only part of the tooth manages to break through the gums and it never fully comes in. This typically means the wisdom teeth are stuck in the jawbone which can be very painful for the individual and is the main reason they are removed. However, even if your wisdom teeth are coming in fine and not causing you pain, you may still need to have them removed.

When teeth become impacted, complications can arise that put the rest of the teeth and gums at risk. Common complications include infections of the teeth and gums, overcrowding of the teeth, problems brushing teeth, changes to bite alignment, and other issues that can affect your long-term dental health. This is why it is important to understand wisdom teeth health and to get help from dental experts when you need professional assistance taking care of your teeth.

Treatment Options

In most cases, the treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is extraction.

“An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or your dentist can remove (extract) a wisdom tooth. The procedure often can be done in the dentist’s or surgeon’s office. You may have the surgery in the hospital, especially if you are having all your wisdom teeth pulled at one time or if you are at high risk for complications”
Healthlink

Recovery typically is a week or two provided no complications arise. A liquid diet is usually recommended for the first few days with soft foods being allowed until you are fully healed. Avoiding hot and cold can help reduce pain and sensitivity as you heal. You will hurt but it is important to follow post-surgery instructions for keeping the extraction sites clean and to take care of your other teeth as you recover.

To learn more, contact us today at Classic Smiles and let our expert dental care team help you with all of your wisdom teeth needs!

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