Brandon, FL Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that appear near the surface of the gums usually between the ages of 17 and 24. The amount of wisdom teeth varies between clients as a patient can develop anywhere from as little as zero all the way up to four. Wisdom teeth are our last teeth to develop from adolescence and often develop with problems.

How necessary is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is critical because our jaws do not grow large enough to have sufficient space for them once they come in. Wisdom teeth frequently damage the teeth directly next to them, referred to as second molars, and if left untreated can have a domino effect to other teeth causing severe discomfort.

Dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem and thereby avoiding more serious complications later down the road. The American Dental Association recommends that all Americans between 17 to 21 should have their mouth examined to determine if they have wisdom teeth that need to be removed.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that are unable to breach through the gums are considered to be “impacted.” Many times wisdom teeth become impacted because there is not enough room for the teeth to protrude through to the mouth adequately.

Impacted molars can cause their own set of complications such as sensitivity, tension, pressure, teeth realignment, tooth damage, and infection.

When to remove wisdom teeth?

If the wisdom teeth roots develop fully, their extraction becomes more difficult then when only the molars have developed. Teeth grown from the crown down to the roots, so if you have the wisdom teeth removed before the root develops then the procedure is easier and will have less recovery time for the patient. As a Brandon, FL family dentist, Family, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help you determine when it is best to remove your wisdom teeth. Contact us today to learn more!

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

After the operation, the patient will experience some pain and bleeding. The patient should arrange to have someone drive them home after the operation while the anesthesia wears off. Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed for the patient to help with recovery. While it could take a couple of weeks to experience a full recovery, daily activities can be resumed within a couple of days following the surgery. Initially, liquid only diets are highly recommended by dentists for the day(s) following surgery and then gradually moving onto soft foods from there.

While recovering at home, the most important thing to remember is to always keep your head elevated for the days immediately following the procedure since there is a wound healing in your face that will heal faster with elevation.

Brandon, FL Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications

If the pain becomes intense and worsens over time after a few days following the operation, it could be a symptom of a condition called “dry socket.” Dry socket occurs when a blood clot does not form or breaks prematurely. This results in the underlying bone being exposed to air, food, and liquids which can be very painful.

Dry socket occurs only a small percentage of tooth extractions, about 2% to 5%, but that number raises a bit if the wisdom tooth impacted to nearly 25% of the time. Luckily, this problem is easily treated with a simple follow-up appointment to apply a medicated paste to promote healing in the area.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Brandon, FL

Brandon, FL Wisdom Teeth Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When to remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

Brandon, FL Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications

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