Dental Guide: Wisdom Teeth Removal
All There is to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal
The most frequently performed procedures in Mississauga is Wisdom teeth removal. The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to appear on both the upper and lower jaw. They generally appear in late teens, and stretches into mid twenties.
Wisdom Teeth Complications – Where It All Starts
Sadly, this set of teeth can cause various dental complications. Since the mouth and jaw cannot accommodate them; they tend to grow beside the neighboring teeth, get stuck in the jaw bone and beneath the gum. This eventually leads to overcrowding and impaction. Once a tooth is impacted, it results to gum disease, tooth decay or an infection known as pericoronitis. The infection occurs when food and bacteria get stuck under the gum flap between the wisdom tooth and the neighboring molar.
Warning Signs –when to See a Dentist
Not all wisdom teeth come with problems. However, when a wisdom tooth begins to cause you pain or discomfort, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. It may be a sign of a wisdom tooth infection. Other red flags to watch out for include:
- Pus between teeth and gum
- Swelling around wisdom teeth
- Red, irritated gum around the wisdom tooth
- Difficult to chew or swallow
- Swollen lymph nodes under your chin
Luckily, some of these problems can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, antiseptic mouthwashes and antibiotics. However, if your infection is severe, wisdom teeth removal is the only effective option.
Schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth removal with a Mississauga dentist.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Some wisdom teeth removal procedures require X-rays. This is to help dentists determine if the procedure can lead to complications. For your comfort and safety, local or general anesthesia is often used to numb the wisdom teeth area.
Since wisdom teeth are quite wide, its removal may mean cutting a small part of the gum to let the tooth out or the tooth is cut into smaller pieces. This only takes a few minutes.
Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Sore, swollen and bleeding gum is normal for the first few days after the procedure. But just like any procedure, wisdom teeth removal poses some risks. These risks are usually minimal, nothing a dentist can’t handle. Some risks can be avoided if you follow your dentist’s instructions. Potential risks include;
- Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) – a dislodged blood clot. Often causes bad breath and pain from the socket.
- Nerve injury – causes a tingling sensation, pain and dumbness in the teeth, gums, tongue and chin.
- Infection – discharge on extracted tooth.
Wisdom teeth removal after care
- Avoid alcohol and smoking after procedure
- Eat foods that don’t require chewing for a few days
- Rinse your wound with warm salty water after meals
If are still not sure about the wisdom teeth removal procedure is right for you. Visit our dental clinic Pearl Dental Care to consult our expert dentist near you.