From A Dental Surgeon in Rochester NY: Signs You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal

by | Dec 10, 2023

Dentists perform about five million wisdom tooth extractions yearly in the United States.1 For most people, wisdom teeth appear around mid-adolescence or early adulthood, making them the last permanent teeth to grow. Although not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, a dental surgeon in Rochester, NY, offers some signs that can mean it’s time to contact an expert for help.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Watch for Before Searching for A Dental Surgeon in Rochester NY

If you have noticed that your wisdom teeth have begun erupting or are unsure if they should have done so by now, what should your next steps be? Here are some signs that tell you it’s time to turn to a dental surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.

Pain In Your Mouth

If you’re experiencing pain, this can mean you need to get a wisdom tooth removed. When a wisdom tooth begins to grow on a path that is out of alignment or if other teeth are in the way, the wisdom tooth puts pressure on the teeth in the area. This pressure leads to a dull ache in your jaw that can also affect your sinuses. Some people experience headaches as well.

A wisdom tooth trying to grow among misaligned teeth can cause impacted wisdom teeth, which means they have not fully erupted. Impacted teeth and partially erupted teeth put you at risk of dental issues and gum disease because food particles can get stuck where your toothbrush or floss can’t reach. This, too, can lead to pain, requiring quick help to avoid more severe issues.

Swollen Jawline or Face

If you notice any swelling in your jawline and your wisdom teeth are erupting or have already erupted, this can point to a problem. An infection will cause swelling. In some cases, the inflammation can even reach your cheekbones.

Inflamed Gums

If your gums are swollen or red, you may need a professional to remove your wisdom teeth. Your gums may feel tender and bleed more easily, especially when brushing or flossing your teeth. The swelling can make it difficult to brush your teeth at all. Turning to a periodontist or oral surgeon is essential because, if left untreated, it can put you at risk of developing an infection.

Cysts

If you ignore the signs that your wisdom teeth are not developing as they should, cysts may begin to form in the area. Cysts are full of fluids and can cause significant damage and pain if not treated quickly.

Changes in Your Bite

Even if you don’t have space in your mouth for wisdom teeth, they’ll still erupt. This means they must move other teeth out of the way, causing misalignments. These issues lead to changes in your bite, which can cause pain and jaw stiffness. You may struggle to chew correctly and can find yourself biting your tongue more often.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you need to get wisdom teeth removed, the first step is to turn to your oral surgeon for an assessment. They will examine the area to decide whether simple or complex tooth extraction is necessary.

A simple tooth extraction is possible when there’s enough of the tooth above the gum line to make the removal possible. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, and then the oral surgeon will use special tools to loosen and extract the tooth.

For a complex tooth extraction necessary for wisdom teeth that have not yet fully erupted, your oral surgeon will apply a local anesthetic and then cut into your gum. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be removed in pieces. Depending on the procedure, you may need to be sedated. Your surgeon will always tell you if that’s the case.

After the wisdom tooth removal, you will usually have to take antibiotics. However, you can rely on over-the-counter painkillers for discomfort. You will also need to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for how to care for the extraction sites after the procedure. For about a week after the procedure, be gentle around the extraction area so that it can heal more rapidly.

Trust a Dental Surgeon in Rochester, NY

Turning to the right dental surgeon is essential if you have any signs of a wisdom tooth that is impacted or causing issues.

At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, our team is ready to help you get relief from the discomfort that wisdom teeth can cause. You can avoid infections or other complications by contacting us immediately. Contact Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester today for an appointment at 585-685-2005.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486647/

 

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