Wisdom Teeth Removal
Lakewood, CO
Wisdom Teeth Removal provided by Our Dentists
in Lakewood, CO at Northstar Dental
 The third molars, popularly referred to as wisdom teeth, are not so important in our dental formula. In fact, some people never develop these, and others have them impacted, or trapped inside, the gums or the jawbone. When these teeth seem to present problems, like pain or impacting the other healthy teeth, they can be extracted. Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure we do here at Northstar Dental and our dentists perform the procedure safely, ensuring you stay comfortable and there are no complications.
We make sure that we help you make the right decision when it comes to teeth extractions. We have the right equipment, expertise, and knowledge in removing teeth that are difficult to extract. We do surgical removal of these teeth if they are impacted or buried inside the gums or jawbone.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the teeth found within the farthest back area of the mouth. Usually, these teeth erupt after all the others have come in. Most people have their wisdom teeth come in around the age of 17 to 25. All the teeth may grow in normally without presenting any problems. On the other hand, some people experience issues due to improper eruption or the teeth getting trapped in the gums.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal is Necessary
Removing wisdom teeth is required if they are causing problems. Not everyone may need to have them extracted, though. If they erupt properly, you can still live with them. Even so, you will need to have them removed if they are impacted or harming the other teeth. As these teeth try to find their way out of the jawbone and gum tissue, they may develop in an awkward position where they begin to push the other teeth. When this happens, your other teeth may become crowded or crooked. Sometimes, the teeth may cause pain due to swollen gums.
Also, an infection can arise since these teeth are found at the back of the mouth, an area that is difficult to clean. Even when they have erupted, they may still bring trouble. Wisdom teeth partially erupt or come in as a whole. Depending on how they have grown in, you may or may not have problems with them. Consult a dentist to have them assessed to see if you might need extraction.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing wisdom teeth can help ease the pain associated with them. It also minimizes the chances of infection, gum disease, cavities, and decay. Further, it helps prevent misalignment of other teeth. There is no harm in extracting these teeth since in most cases they are regarded as vestigial, so they don't serve any important function.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are signs that you should watch for to determine that you need to have your third molars removed. If they are impacted and causing things like swollen gums, have them removed. If they have erupted and are presenting challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, still you can have them extracted. Further, when you have pain associated with the teeth, seek a dentist or oral surgeon to remove the teeth.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
To extract wisdom teeth, we will first conduct a dental inspection. This oral examination will give details about how the teeth are growing in the mouth. If they are impacted, x-rays can show their positioning. As such, it helps establish the best technique to extract the teeth.
After the examination, the dentist will start the removal process. You will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be applied, if necessary, particularly when the procedure seems complex to undertake. The dentist now opens the gums by making an incision. This helps access the tooth if it's trapped in the gums. The tooth is then broken into small pieces, allowing the dentist to easily extract it. After removing it, the gums may be sutured up, if required. Biting on gauze helps control bleeding. The procedure takes roughly one hour to complete and is painless.
Aftercare and Recovery
Once you have the third molars removed, it is paramount you maintain proper oral hygiene. The mouth hosts many bacteria and they could easily invade the wound and cause an infection. As such, use salt water to rinse the mouth. Avoid things that can hurt or damage the clotting process such as hard foods. Again, avoid straws when consuming your drinks or beverages.
There may be some mild soreness, swelling, and discomfort. The dentist will prescribe medications to relieve these symptoms. In a few days, you should have these after-surgery symptoms subside. In case of any complications, don't hesitate to contact us. The wisdom teeth healing process takes only a few weeks. However, in a few days, you should be able to resume work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here are a few FAQs regarding the removal of wisdom teeth. They can help you understand what to expect from this treatment.
When Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you are having pain or the gums are swollen at the back of the mouth, you can be assessed to see if it is due to wisdom teeth. If they are impacted, or if they are causing problems with other teeth, see a dentist to schedule removal of your wisdom teeth.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
Extracting wisdom teeth isn't painful. Dentists utilize sedation and anesthetic to prevent pain and keep the patient comfortable. Even so, you might have some swelling, soreness, and mild pain thereafter as the healing continues.
What Can I Eat After the Procedure?
After extraction, consider soft foods and liquids. You don't want anything that will harm the operation site. Things like soup, oatmeal, and yogurt can help, but again, avoid hot things.
Are There Any Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If clotting doesn't occur properly or if the clot is disturbed, you might develop a dry socket. This can be very painful. You could also develop an infection if you don't maintain proper oral hygiene. Bleeding might also occur several days after the operation. Seek help from our dentist if these things happen.
About Wisdom Teeth Removal at Northstar Dental
We handle each case carefully because different people have different needs for their wisdom teeth extractions. Talk to us at Northstar Dental to see how our oral surgeon can help with wisdom teeth removal. Call us at (303) 481-3901 today to request an appointment. |
