Wisdom Teeth Removal
Are you between 17 and 25 years old and starting to notice a new set of teeth growing in the back of your mouth? These are called wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, most mouths aren’t big enough to comfortably fit all 32 adult teeth, including wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are growing in crooked or at an angle, they can cause problems like pain, swelling, and even damage to other teeth. To avoid these issues, many dentists recommend having your wisdom teeth removed. At Almond Dental, Dr. Prem Kumar and his team specialize in wisdom tooth removal. They’ll make the procedure as comfortable and painless as possible.
Questions About Wisdom Teeth?
Why Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth
You already have teeth in the back of your mouth called second molars that do a great job chewing food. So, you don’t really need wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth have big roots that can grow in unexpected ways. If left untreated, these roots can damage your facial nerves or other teeth.
Some wisdom teeth grow all the way through the gums, while others only grow partially. Partially grown wisdom teeth can easily trap food, leading to infections.
Having your wisdom teeth removed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help you avoid these problems:
- Cysts or tumors that can form around infected teeth.
- Bad breath caused by infections.
- Pain and pressure in the back of your mouth.
- Misalignment of your other teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Some people don’t notice any problems with their wisdom teeth, while others feel pain or discomfort. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, wisdom teeth can still cause problems for your oral health.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be time to have your wisdom teeth checked and removed:
- Jaw pain or swelling.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Gums that bleed easily.
- A wisdom tooth poking through your gums.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
- A bad taste in your mouth.
- Pressure in the back of your mouth.
Many people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early twenties. This is the best time because the teeth haven’t fully grown yet. But you can have them removed at any age. If you’re searching for wisdom teeth removal near me, we’re here to help.
How to Get Ready for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you decide to have your wisdom teeth removed in St. Anthony or Maple Grove, MN, know that we have offices in both locations. Our dental team will create a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. We’ll also provide detailed instructions to guide you through the entire process, including before and after surgery
Here are some important things to remember:
- Brush your teeth right before your appointment.
- Bring a responsible adult with you who can drive you to and from the appointment and stay with you while you recover. If you’re under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Don’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your surgery. If the oral surgeon gives you sedative medication, take it with just a sip of water.
- Wear loose clothing and short sleeves.
- Avoid tight collars, jewelry, and neckties.
The strongest effects of the sedative will wear off within an hour after the surgery, but you might still feel some effects for up to 24 hours.
Questions About Wisdom Teeth?
What Does the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure Entail
The process of removing wisdom teeth involves a few steps. First, our dentist will check the overall health of your mouth. They might take X-rays to see where the tooth is located and make sure they don’t damage any nerves nearby.
Our dentist will use a local or general anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the surgery. They’ll make a cut in your gum to see the tooth and bone. If there’s a bone in the way, they’ll remove it to get to the root. Then, they’ll carefully remove the tooth, sometimes in pieces, to make it easier.
After removing the tooth, they’ll stitch the cut closed to help it heal. In some cases, they might use stitches that dissolve on their own.
The time it takes to remove your wisdom teeth depends on the difficulty of the procedure, the number of teeth that need to be removed, and your overall oral health.
Recovering After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After your wisdom teeth removal, our dentist will ask you to bite down on gauze to help a blood clot form. They’ll also give you specific instructions on how to recover, including what to do in the first 24 hours.
Most people can go back to their normal activities the next day, but the healing time can vary depending on your health. In general, it takes a few weeks to fully heal.
It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Wisdom Tooth Discomfort!
Are you ready to have your wisdom teeth removed? Our experienced and friendly dentist at Almond Dental will make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Get in touch with us today!