Your back molars, otherwise known as your wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to emerge in your mouth. This tends to happen somewhere between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one and they come in on the top and the bottom. For many people, this happens without issue. However, for others, they simply don’t have enough space in their jaws to accommodate these wisdom teeth without it resulting in their other teeth shifting. This shifting of their teeth can lead to a whole host of problems. In the event that this happens, there is a high chance that your dentist will recommend surgery to remove your wisdom teeth. Here you will see the reasons why it may be necessary to remove your wisdom teeth, what the removal process is like, and what the process of recovery is like.
When is wisdom tooth removal necessary?
Most of the time your dentist will recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed if they are causing some kind of problem in your mouth. This could be because they are causing damage to your other teeth by pushing them around. It could also be because of cysts that form around new teeth that can cause serious jaw damage. Wisdom teeth can also cause sinus issues as well. However, your dentist may also recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth as a preventative measure. This is especially true for younger people since the bones in your mouth get harder as you age, making them harder to remove down the line when they do start to cause problems.
What is the process?
If your dentist recommends wisdom tooth removal then they will start by taking an X-ray of your mouth. After it is determined who should perform the procedure you will be given an anaesthetic. If you are feeling nervous you may also be given a sedative to help you relax. Depending on what condition the tooth is in, there will either be a small incision made in the gum to expose the tooth and the tooth may be cut into smaller parts to make it easier to remove.
How long does it take to recover?
Dissolving stitches are used to seal your gums. These will usually take between 7 and 10 days to dissolve. After that, recovery typically takes around 4 days to a week. However, the wound left behind by the surgery may take up to several months to heal so it’s essential that you keep your mouth clean to avoid developing an infection.
A lot of people dislike the idea of going to the dentist enough that it causes them to ignore the pain and discomfort that can be present when their wisdom teeth start to cause their other teeth to shift. However, leaving things too long can cause permanent issues that are far more difficult to solve. Come and speak to our friendly and professional staff. Not only can they set your mind at ease right away but they can help to make sure that you can go back to living your life in comfort as quickly as possible.