Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the back of the mouth. While they can serve a functional purpose, they often cause more harm than good. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what wisdom teeth are, the signs that may indicate they need to be removed, and the process of getting them removed at Cherry Hill Dental.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically begin to emerge in a person’s late teens or early twenties. These teeth were more useful in our distant ancestors who had larger jaws and a tougher diet, but in today’s world, they often pose problems due to limited space in the mouth.
Signs That Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Removed:
- Pain and Discomfort: One of the most common signs that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed is pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth. This can be caused by the teeth pushing against existing teeth or the jawbone.
- Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling and redness around the gum area at the back of your mouth may be indicative of an infection or inflammation associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
- Difficulty in Eating: If you experience pain or discomfort while chewing or eating, it may be due to the pressure exerted by emerging or impacted wisdom teeth on surrounding teeth.
- Bad Breath and Taste: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to bad breath and a foul taste in your mouth.
- Jaw Stiffness: Wisdom teeth can cause jaw stiffness and limited mouth opening due to their impact on the jawbone and surrounding tissues.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at Cherry Hill Dental:
- Consultation: If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, we encourage you to book an appointment with us. We will assess your condition through an examination and X-rays to determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, we will discuss the anesthesia options with you. You can choose local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the surgery.
- Extraction: During the extraction, we will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth. If the tooth is impacted, it may need to be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth is removed, the area will be cleaned and sutured.
- Recovery: After the procedure, we will give you instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including information on pain management and diet restrictions. Swelling and discomfort are common during the initial recovery period.
- Follow-up: After 5-7 days we will have you come in for a follow-up appointment with us to ensure that the healing process is going smoothly. This may involve removing sutures and checking for any signs of infection or complications.
What Our Patients Are Saying About Their Wisdom Teeth Experience at Cherry Hill Dental:
“I had a great experience getting my wisdom teeth removed. The staff was very understanding of my dental anxiety and made sure I was comfortable before and during my appointment. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would recommend to anyone!” – Brittany B.
“Had a great experience with my son’s wisdom teeth extraction. Very professional and timely! Would highly recommend.” – Candace B.
“Absolutely love this place!! Just had two wisdom teeth removed they had me in and out in less than an hour! They gave me the laughing gas and made sure I was numb before they started, then dentist I had was super fast and all the assistants were friendly. Nice environment, loved it and I’m not a big fan of the dentist in general! Thank you all for making the trips to the dentist not so bad.” – Nick M.
Wisdom teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort for many individuals. Recognizing the signs that indicate they may need removal and understanding the process can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. If you suspect your wisdom teeth may be causing problems, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can guide you through the removal process and provide relief from the discomfort they may be causing.