What Wisdom Teeth Removal and When Is It Necessary

July 26, 2019, Langley Dental Practice

When Is Removal Needed?

Wisdom teeth do not usually need to be removed when they are not causing problems, but those that have become impacted or have not fully broken through the gum surface can cause dental problems. When they cause problems or X-ray shows they might down the line, they need to be removed.

Other reasons to take them out include:

• Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria grow and cavities form.

• Inflamed Gums:Tissues around the area sometimes swell, making it hard to clean.

• Damage to other teeth: The extraset of molars can push your other adult teeth around, causing mouth bite and pain problems.

• Jaw Damage: Cysts sometimes form around the new teeth, and if left untreated can hollow out your jaw and damage nerves.

• Sinus Issues: Problems with wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pressure, pain, and congestion.

• Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can overcrowd other teeth and make treatment to straighten those teeth necessary.

However, wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended when other treatments have not worked.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Your dentist may perform the procedure or refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital treatment.

Before the operation, the procedure is explained to you, and you may be required to sign a consent form. The process entails injecting an anesthetic injection to numb the area, after which the dentist or surgeon extracts the tooth by rocking it back and forth.
A small cut in the gum is sometimes essential, and the tooth may be cut into smaller pieces before it is extracted.

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort both inside and outside your mouth that lasts for a couple of days.

Possible Complications

As with any surgery, wisdom teeth removal also has some risks.
These include delayed healing and infections, especially if you smoke.A dull, aching sensation in the gum or jaw known as “dry socket” is another known complication. A bad smell or taste may come from the empty socket. Neglect of after-care instructions is the main cause of dry socket.

In other rare cases, nerves are damaged, causing a tingling or numb sensation in the tongue, lower lip, gums, and teeth, but it is usually temporary.

While wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed, extraction is sometimes necessary. Speaking with your dentist can help address any concerns you may have to avoid future complications.

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