If you’ve found yourself wondering about wisdom teeth, what they are, why they act up, or if you need to have them removed, then you’re in the right place. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to break it all down for you.
What Are Wisdom Teeth, Anyway?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually pop up in the back corners of your mouth, often between the ages of 17 and 25. For some lucky people, these teeth slide in perfectly and never cause an issue. For others, however, wisdom teeth are the dental equivalent of a troublemaker, they can come in crooked, crowd other teeth, or get stuck halfway (impacted).
So, if you’ve been told you might need them removed, you’re not alone! About 85% of people end up having their wisdom teeth extracted at some point. Let’s walk through why that might be necessary, what to expect, and how to make the whole process as easy as possible.
Do You Need Them Removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but it depends on how they’re coming in and what risks they might pose. Here are a few common scenarios where removal is recommended:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Sometimes, the teeth can’t break through the gums properly, staying stuck or coming in at weird angles. This can lead to infections or cysts if left untreated.
- Overcrowding: If your mouth doesn’t have enough room, wisdom teeth can push on other teeth, causing alignment issues or making orthodontic work (like braces) shift.
- Infection or Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a space for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to painful infections or gum disease around the area.
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: Since wisdom teeth are hard to reach when brushing or flossing, they often develop cavities that can spread to surrounding teeth.
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing issues, your dentist might suggest keeping an eye on them. But if they start acting up, removal is usually the best course of action to prevent bigger problems down the road.
What Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Involve?
Wisdom tooth extractions are routine, and dentists perform them every day. Here’s a step-by-step of what you can expect:
- Consultation and X-Rays: Your dentist will take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and assess whether extraction is necessary. This is also a chance to talk through any questions you might have and plan the timing of the procedure.
- The Day of the Procedure: Most wisdom teeth removals are outpatient procedures, which means you’ll go home the same day. Depending on the complexity, you might receive local anesthesia (numbing the area), sedation, or general anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will walk you through what’s best for your situation.
- The Extraction: The dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove the teeth. If the teeth are impacted, they may need to make a small incision in the gum and possibly break the tooth into smaller pieces to get it out. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, just some pressure.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Recovery takes a few days to a week, depending on how many teeth were removed and whether they were impacted. You’ll likely experience some swelling, soreness, and possibly mild bruising. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions, like:
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods.
- Avoid using straws to prevent dry sockets.
- Gently rinse with salt water to keep the area clean.
What’s a “Dry Socket,” and How Do You Avoid It?
Let’s talk about dry sockets real quick, because if you’ve heard of them, they probably sound like a nightmare. A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms after tooth removal gets dislodged too soon, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. This can be pretty painful, but the good news is that it’s avoidable if you follow your dentist’s recovery instructions closely.
The biggest culprits for dry sockets? Drinking through a straw, smoking, or rinsing your mouth too vigorously. So, be gentle with your mouth during the first few days after surgery, it makes all the difference.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Here are some tips to make the recovery process more manageable:
- Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soup, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
- Stay ahead of pain by taking any prescribed medications as directed, even before the anesthesia wears off.
- Prop yourself up with pillows while sleeping to minimize swelling.
- Don’t overdo it and rest as much as possible for the first few days.
If anything feels off, such as severe pain, swelling that doesn’t improve, or a fever, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. It’s better to be safe and catch any potential complications early.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Act?
If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or your dentist has mentioned they could be problematic in the future, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation. Sometimes people wait until they’re in pain, but trust us, being proactive is a lot easier than dealing with an infection or impacted tooth later on. The earlier you catch potential issues, the smoother the removal and recovery process will be.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re in pain or just want to get ahead of potential problems, we’re here to help! Our caring team at Balanced Dental makes wisdom teeth removal as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Plus, with three convenient locations, it’s easy to find a time and place that works for you.
Our Locations:
- Monumental Dental – Grand Junction
102 Lorey Dr., Grand Junction, CO
Phone: 970-242-4945 - Monumental Dental – Montrose
25 S. Lot Ave., Montrose, CO
Phone: 970-249-9096 - Balanced Dental – Grand Junction (Our sister location!)
132 Walnut Ave., Grand Junction, CO
Phone: 970-242-0288
Give us a call today to schedule your consultation. Whether you need a second opinion or you’re ready to get those wisdom teeth out, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s take care of those teeth so you can get back to smiling pain-free!
