Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Why, How, and What to do
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Phoenix, AZ
Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to appear in the adult dentition. Usually, they are located far behind in the most posterior position in your jawbones. They are commonly called wisdom teeth because they appear between 17 and 25 years old, frequently known as wisdom age. While it can seem like a scary procedure, at Solterra Dentistry we make Wisdom Teeth Extraction quick and easy!
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the most changing teeth in human dentition, having multiple shapes, positions, forms, roots, and anatomic characteristics. Thereby, it is frequent to find wisdom teeth with anomalies and locations that can induce oral problems and discomfort.
Why do wisdom teeth get impacted?
When third molars erupt correctly and are aligned with the other teeth in your denture, they function as any other molar would. These molars help to chew and crush the foods you eat to allow adequate digestion and diet. However, when they appear in odd positions or clash against other teeth, they can cause discomfort, pain, and other symptoms. In those cases, they are known as impacted wisdom teeth.
Even though there are multiple factors related to impacted wisdom teeth, the following are the main reasons associated with them:
Lack of space
This is what happens when there is not enough room in your jawbone for your wisdom teeth to grow and erupt. As a result, they get trapped inside your gums, leading to infections, cysts, and other problems.
Having insufficient jawbone space is a genetic and developmental tendency that has grown over the years due to evolutive reasons. Thanks to our softer diet, we have been developing smaller jaws and teeth, leaving no room for the last molars.
Incorrect position
Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth but coming in the wrong position, crashing with neighbor molars and causing decay, abscesses, and other problems. These odd positions include bent, twisted, rotated, or tilt molars that try to erupt at the wrong angles, often failing to get into the mouth.
How is the process of a wisdom teeth extraction?
Nowadays, every dental extraction is performed under local or general anesthesia to guarantee a painless procedure. Once you are numb, your dentist opens the gums over your wisdom teeth. Then, he proceeds to remove all the bone that is trapping your molar in place. During this stage, he might require splitting the molar to make the extraction more conservative.
Finally, the pieces are extracted, and the entire area is cleaned and disinfected. Once the surgery is done, the operating site is closed, and the gums get back to their initial positions with some stitches.
After the surgery, your dentist will place a sterile gauze to stop the bleeding and allow clotting formation.
What are the aftercare measures?
Your dentist Dr. Manov or Dr. Gubernick will provide you a list of instructions that you must follow after the surgery to avoid bleeding, infections, and other complications. These measures include:
- Minor bleeding and swelling is normal after the surgery
- Avoid rinses, spitting, straws, and brushing the surgery place
- Avoid hot drinks and small foods that can fall into the wound
- Do not smoke
Finally, visit your us at Solterra Dentistry if you notice any other symptoms or signs after your wisdom teeth extraction. Click here to contact us today!