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The Importance of Wisdom Teeth Removal
There’s simply not enough room in your jaw for your wisdom teeth to erupt without pain and discomfort. If they do begin to erupt without removal, they’ll only be able to come out about halfway. This makes them impossible to clean properly and can lead to serious oral health issues. Getting rid of your wisdom teeth as soon as possible can save you a lot of issues later on in life.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to develop in the human mouth. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they typically appear later in life, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, a time often associated with gaining maturity or “wisdom.” Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth at the back. However, some people can have fewer than four or even none at all, which can be due to genetic variations.
What Can Happen if Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
When there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are not able to fully enter the mouth or develop normally.
How wisdom teeth can grow in:
Potential Problems of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems, including:
Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort level. Here’s a brief rundown of what happens during the surgery.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the expected complexity of the wisdom tooth extraction and your comfort. Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend the best option for you.
Extraction
The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. Any bone blocking access to the root of the tooth will be removed. The tooth may be divided into sections to make it easier to remove through the opening. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure due to anesthesia.
Closure
After the tooth is removed, the extraction site is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone. The gums are then stitched back together to promote healing, though not all extractions require stitches.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days. Here are some tips to aid your recovery:
How Old Should You Be for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth typically begin to erupt in your late teens or early twenties. However, this timing is going to be different for everyone and it all depends on your specific situation. Other oral health issues may postpone the process or speed it up. Consult with a professional to find out if right now is the time for you to have your wisdom teeth removed.
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Meet our Family of Dentists
Dr. Standish has been serving Clay County patients at Eagle Harbor Dental for over 40 years. His daughters Dr. Kelly & Dr. Erin joined the practice and they’ve been creating beautiful smiles as a family ever since. With extensive educations and memberships, our dentists are the best that Fleming Island has to offer.
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