Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Medicine Hat

When should you get your wisdom teeth removed? Wisdom teeth start to emerge in your teens and into your 20’s but sometimes these rear molars may not appear at all. Getting your wisdom teeth extracted is a common dental procedure that is done on a case by case basis. Why should you have your wisdom teeth removed? Reasons for having your wisdom teeth extracted range from alleviating pain to altering the alignment of your teeth.

Are you sensing some discomfort or swelling at the back of your dental arch? It could be a result of your wisdom teeth trying to erupt through the gums. It may be time to have these molars removed before they cause any serious problems. Wisdom teeth should be removed to prevent you from developing infections, cysts or interfering with the rest of the teeth in your mouth. Your dentist will perform an examination to best determine when and how your wisdom teeth should be removed.

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What Kind of Problems are Associated with Wisdom Teeth?

Overcrowding of your existing teeth. If you have a relatively small oral cavity, your wisdom teeth may not have room to grow in straight. When they begin to erupt, they can cause the rest of your teeth to shift, leaving you with crooked teeth.

Wisdom teeth are often the cause of infection due to their positioning. Infections beginning with the wisdom teeth can spread to other parts of your gums and teeth adjacent to these molars. Puss filled cysts can form, requiring the need for antibiotics.

Pain and swelling of your gum tissue are associated with the growth of wisdom teeth. As the tooth erupts through the gums, it can create a pocket where bacteria can grow due to food getting stuck between the gums and the tooth. Inflammation of the gums is a common side effect of the emerging teeth.

Wisdom teeth often grow in at various angles. They can emerge facing the wrong way and sometimes stay just below the gums causing an impacted tooth situation. A wisdom tooth can be the cause of TMJ.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine treatment performed by your dentist and can be accomplished in a single appointment. There is no need to fear the removal of your wisdom teeth as the Dentists at Park Meadows Dental are experienced in the various procedures necessary for your situation

It is completely normal to experience some minor pain and discomfort after the removal of your wisdom teeth

What is the Process of Having a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Your dentist does not what you to be in any pain during wisdom tooth extraction and will recommend either a local freezing or a general anesthetic before treatment. Depending on how many of your wisdom teeth are being removed at once will determine which option is used. During the actual removal of your teeth, you will not feel any pain. Your highly skilled dentist will ensure the adjacent teeth are protected during the treatment and in no time at all your wisdom teeth will be taken out. After the procedure is over, you will remain in the dentist’s chair with some gauze placed over the area where your tooth/teeth were removed. When your dentist is satisfied that there is no more bleeding in the area you will be ready to go home. Typically, the waiting time is less than half an hour.

It may require a few stitches to your gums to help seal off the area where your tooth was extracted. This will depend on your dentist’s observations and assessments of each individual treatment. Stitches will be removed within a few days after your dentist is satisfied with the healing process or often dissolving stitches will have been incorporated so you won’t need to return to the dentist’s office.

It is completely normal to experience some minor pain and discomfort after the removal of your wisdom teeth. Generally, you can return to your regular routine after a few days. Give yourself time to rest so your body can heal and avoid any strenuous activities for several days following your treatment. Your dentist may provide you with a prescription pain reliever to help during the recovery period. If you experience any unusual bleeding or extreme pain, contact your dentist immediately.

What Should You do to Help Your Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

  • Use the cooling effects of ice to help with any swelling. Do not apply directly to the extraction site but use an ice pack or package of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth on the exterior of your cheek.
  • Elevate your head when resting
  • Use gauze sparingly to absorb excess blood
  • Do not touch the area around the extraction site
  • Be careful what you eat, avoid foods that require heavy chewing or extreme hot and cold
  • Rest – leave the exercising until after you have healed
  • No sucking through a straw, no sucking on cigarettes, – sucking can cause the blood clot to dislodge resulting in a painful dry socket
  • Apply warm moist heat after a few days
  • Saltwater rinses after 24 hours or as recommended by your dentist

Can I brush my teeth after my wisdom tooth extraction? You don’t want to run the risk of irritating the area so it is a good idea to avoid brushing around the treatment area for at least a full day. Gently brush your other teeth on the next day, being careful to avoid poking the area that is healing. Make sure you have someone drive you to and from the dentist office for your wisdom tooth extraction procedure. It is also a good idea to have someone stay with you at home for the first day of your recovery. You may need something and should not be driving yourself anywhere in the first 24 hours. Recovery takes time and it is also a smart choice to stay away from alcohol, using any electrical machinery or running up and downstairs. All the bleeding should cease within 24 hours, but it has not, contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment to check on the situation.

Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction is much quicker when you are younger

Extremely painful gums where your tooth has been removed is not normal. If you are experiencing severe pain accompanied by a strange taste and nasty smell in your mouth, you may have dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site exposing bone and nerves. This can be caused by sucking on things or drinking through a straw. Some swelling may also occur if you have this issue. What should you do?

Go back to the dental office for treatment. Dry socket can be treated with medications, flushing sterile water over the area or additional methods as recommended by your dentist. You will want to attend to dry socket quickly to avoid any further complications.

Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction is much quicker when you are younger. Your body can heal itself at any age, but generally, it is recommended that you have your wisdom teeth taken out as soon as they begin to appear. Park Meadows Dental wants you to avoid the mishaps and complications with wisdom teeth, so visit them today for a full assessment and treatment options. Maintaining good oral health and visiting your dentist regularly will help keep you on track for strong teeth and healthy gums.

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