Understanding wisdom teeth and how they affect oral health is helpful when discussing wisdom tooth extraction because you might wonder if they must be removed.
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Your wisdom teeth are also referred to as third molars. Like other molars, they’re flat on the surface and designed to break down food, so it’s safe to swallow. These molars are the last adult teeth to erupt.
Impacted wisdom teeth are molars at the very back of your mouth that are trapped beneath the gum line.
Non–impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that have erupted and are visible above the gum line. It’s also possible to have a partially impacted wisdom tooth. In that case, you can see part of the wisdom tooth above your gums, while part of it is trapped beneath the gum line.
Wisdom teeth can cause severe oral health issues. Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth centuries ago when their diet consisted of hard-to-chew items, and their jaws were larger. Today, our diets don’t contain the same raw foods that were difficult to grind down, so we don’t need wisdom teeth.
The human jaw is smaller now than it was centuries ago. Consequently, most people lack the room in their mouths that would be needed for their wisdom teeth to erupt safely, and even non-impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems after erupting.
It’s common for impacted wisdom teeth to push against other teeth in your mouth and damage them. Both impacted and non-impacted wisdom teeth can push neighboring teeth and cause misalignment, leading to overcrowding or gaps between teeth.
Overcrowding is a significant issue because it can make it hard for you to clean your teeth, allowing bacterial growth and potentially causing tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues. Gaps can be expensive to correct. If left uncorrected, gaps increase the risks of tooth damage and gum disease.
Other complications from impacted wisdom teeth include the following:
Wisdom tooth extraction involves having your dentist remove your wisdom teeth. You can schedule an appointment with one of our Houston general dentists to confirm which wisdom teeth are present and need to be removed. Some people get all four wisdom teeth at once; others never get all four wisdom teeth. Your dentist can use X-rays to confirm if your wisdom teeth are starting to come in or are impacted.
URBN Dental’s Houston dental services include preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative services. Whether you need a dental checkup, Invisalign aligners to correct misaligned teeth, or Houston root canal services, our expert team provides superior comprehensive dental services.
Our dental team gives you our full attention when you come in for an appointment, answering your questions, providing oral healthcare information, and delivering the expert care you need. Our offices feature the latest technology, and we use BPA-free and non-toxic appliances and materials to safeguard your health.
We also offer round-the-clock emergency dental services. A dentist is available on call during the day and night, and we keep appointment slots open throughout the day for walk-in patients and those needing emergency care.
Dental insurance enables people to afford the dental care they need. URBN Dental accepts most PPO insurance plans. We also offer payment options, making dental care accessible for those without insurance.
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It’s possible to prevent tooth decay and gum disease if you brush and floss regularly; however, severe oral health issues can affect even those with good oral hygiene habits. Since wisdom teeth increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, delaying their extraction makes you more likely to experience serious oral health complications.
Jaw pain is one potential sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in. Bad breath, difficulty opening your jaw, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, and swollen or bleeding gums are also potential signs your wisdom teeth are coming in. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. Our dental team will confirm if your wisdom teeth are coming in, which ones are present, and whether they recommend tooth removal. They’ll recommend a timeline for removing your wisdom teeth to prevent damage to neighboring teeth, misalignment, and other potential complications.
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The tooth extraction involves receiving local sedation or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia effectively eliminates pain at the extraction site, but you are still awake during the procedure. Those who feel anxious during dental procedures may opt for general anesthesia so they’re unconscious during the procedure.
After administering the anesthesia, your dentist will cut your gums open. They may split the wisdom tooth into pieces before they extract it if that will simplify the process. Your dentist may also have to remove any bone that prevents tooth root access.
Your dentist will extract the tooth, remove any debris, and clean the extraction site. Your dentist will then use stitches to close the injection site.
After the procedure, it’s common for there to be some bleeding and swelling at the incision site. You’ll have gauze over the incisions, which helps clots to form, protects your incision from germs, and prevents infections.
Your dentist will explain how and when to replace the gauze. Other steps you should take to ensure your full recovery include eating soft foods. Eating hard foods can cause a dry socket, which means the blood clot over your incision site doesn’t form correctly or is removed, leaving the incision exposed.
Appropriate soft foods you can eat after your wisdom tooth extraction include the following:
Applesauce
Avocado
Bananas
Bouillon or broth
Eggs
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal
Pasta
Pudding
Pureed soup
Smoothies
Soft bread
Soft ice cream
Steamed vegetables
Yogurt
You should avoid acidic foods, spicy foods, alcohol, popcorn, crunchy foods, and nuts.
Our dental team is available to assess your condition, answer your questions, and confirm whether it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed. We’ll explain the risks and your options and ensure you receive exceptional individualized dental care.
Reasons some people have bad breath after their wisdom tooth extraction include the following:
Following your dentist’s instructions to keep your mouth clean during your recovery can help to prevent or reduce bad breath.
Your dentist uses anesthesia to prevent pain during the tooth extraction. Your dentist will recommend painkillers or provide a prescription to manage your pain during recovery. Following your dentist’s care procedures and eating appropriate foods can help to reduce your pain.
Most people fully recover within seven to 14 days. The recovery time varies; it may take longer to recover if you have dry sockets. Improper care could also lead to an infection, which will extend the recovery period.
Soft foods will not tear blood clots or penetrate incision sites, so dentists advise you to consume soft foods after removing your wisdom teeth. That’s why dentists recommend eating soft ice cream that doesn’t contain nuts or hard chunks of cookies or other items. The coldness of the ice cream can also help ease any discomfort.
Visit us today at URBN Dental as a walk in patient or call us at 281-584-3123 for an appointment at a time of your choosing! Here is to permanent smiles and stronger teeth for all!
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