Removing Your Wisdom Teeth

A wisdom teeth removal is a procedure that most people will need to undergo. While removing wisdom teeth is a routine procedure for a dentist, it can be a major life event for the patient, and this can lead to some anxiety if the patient lacks some basic information.

Can Failing To Have Wisdom Teeth Removed Lead To Significant Problems?

When the time comes to have your wisdom teeth removed, it can be beneficial to have this treatment done fairly quickly. As the wisdom teeth continue to grow, they can put pressure on the surrounding teeth, and this can cause alignment problems that may be permanent if orthodontic treatments are not administered after the wisdom teeth have been removed. In extreme cases, the wisdom teeth can also increase the patient's risk of developing a gum infection or other serious problem.

Are Wisdom Teeth Always Removed By Pulling Them?

While pulling the wisdom teeth is one of the more common and well-known options for removing them, it can also be necessary to have the wisdom teeth surgically extracted. This type of extraction is often needed when the wisdom teeth are impacted as this can prevent them from breaking through the surface of the gums enough to be successfully extracted. In these cases, the patient will likely find that they need to have their wisdom teeth surgically extracted. While a surgical extraction can be slightly more invasive, it might be the only way to effectively remove wisdom teeth that have become impacted.

What Is Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Removal Like?

A wisdom teeth removal procedure is a surgery that individuals often overestimate the severity of, especially when it comes to recovery. While the first day or two following the removal can be a time when the patient experiences mild soreness and discomfort, they will likely find that this discomfort will pass fairly quickly. However, you may be limited in what you can eat and drink for several days to up to a week. In particular, you will have to avoid drinking with a straw or eating hard foods as this can damage the scabs that form on the extraction site. In addition to slowing the recovering process, this could also lead to painful complications as the extraction sites may be more likely to develop infections or dry sockets, which can be extremely painful. Preparing several days worth of soft foods and soups can help to make this part of the recovery process easier to manage. 

To learn more, contact a dentist about the wisdom teeth removal process.


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