What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located in the very back of your mouth and are your last adult teeth to grow in. Most people have four wisdom teeth which usually appear in their late teens or early twenties but there’s nothing unusual about having less than four or even no wisdom teeth at all. While a wisdom tooth itself is generally harmless, it can create many dental complications as it grows and shifts into place.
If your wisdom teeth are coming in, there are a few noticeable signs and symptoms including
redness or swelling in your gums, jaw pain or tenderness, facial pain, and white flecks behind your last molars. The Renschler and Rhee Dentistry team suggests coming in for an evaluation for any symptoms. Treated in time, wisdom teeth can be easily removed without any impact on your smile or health.
How Do You Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Many times wisdom teeth become partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone. For most people, this means that at least one of your third molars can grow incorrectly at an angle or straight up or down like the rest of your teeth but gets trapped within the jaw bone. When this happens, it can result in infection, cavities, gum disease, overcrowding, and other severe oral health issues.
Impacted wisdom teeth do not cause symptoms all the time. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth, or causes other dental problems, you may experience some of these signs or symptoms bad breath, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, and difficulty opening your mouth. The symptoms related to wisdom tooth eruption will not go away on their own. Preventative treatment is most recommended to avoid potential problems that could lead to more dental intervention to resolve the impact & overcrowding issues. For instance, shifted teeth that have been pushed out of alignment by a wisdom tooth may need months or years of wearing dental braces to return to their original position.
What Is The Process?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, you may be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure for optimal comfort.
It usually takes a few days to recover after wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Rhee will give you a list of postoperative instructions to help keep you comfortable during your recovery. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. It is also advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw since doing so may extend the healing process and cause a condition known as a ‘dry socket.’
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Have To Be Extracted?
The short answer is no. Although impacted teeth are a leading reason for tooth extraction, there are times when wisdom teeth grow in properly and never cause any trouble. In these cases, there is no need for a tooth extraction. If there are any issues with your wisdom teeth, our dentist will be able to detect the problem during regular dental visits and avoid any serious complications. In addition to routine dental check-ups, you want to follow a good oral hygiene routine that involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to protect your teeth.
Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Only a dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, if your wisdom teeth are affecting neighboring teeth, your ability to chew or speak, or erupted partially or not at all, then you can usually benefit from having your wisdom teeth removed.
If complications arise from impacted wisdom teeth, Renschler and Rhee Dentistry in Corona, CA offers a wide range of dental services for different oral health treatments including dental crowns, all-on-four implants, and dental cleanings. We understand that having your wisdom teeth removed can cause anxiety for many patients but at our clinic, we are committed to providing a comfortable experience for all of our patients. If you are looking for a family dentist with experience, modern solutions, and quality patient comfort, call Rentschler and Rhee today at 951-735-2608 to make an appointment.