So what is all the fuss about wisdom teeth anyway? Wisdom teeth are typically the last teeth to erupt. And if you have good tooth alignment and no extra space in your jaw when the wisdom teeth start in, it can cause discomfort and oral health complications such as tooth crowding. If you’re having difficulties with your wisdom teeth, we can help you remove them at our Birmingham Dental office.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
You’ll find the wisdom teeth, often called third molars, at the very back of the mouth, behind both the upper and lower teeth set in some cases. They are often the last adult teeth to develop.
When Would You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain or there is a risk of dental complication, Dr. Coburn or Dr. Sgalia may recommend wisdom tooth removal. We especially will recommend wisdom teeth removal for patients who have impacted wisdom teeth.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A shortage of space in the jaw usually causes an impacted tooth. As the wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, sometimes, there isn’t enough space for them to develop correctly. The tooth may start to grow at an angle and push against the neighboring tooth. Sometimes an impacted tooth will remain under the gums and even under the bone.
If your wisdom tooth is impacted and causing you pain, extraction may be the best course of action.
In some cases, wisdom teeth can increase the risk of dental issues because they can be challenging to reach. A tooth may be impacted but partially erupt above the gum line. Plaque may build up if you cannot reach under the gum with your toothbrush to clean the entire tooth top. Plaque can also build up if the tooth pushes against the neighboring molar. The pushing elevates the risk of decay, gum disease, and dental infections.
What Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Involve?
Removing a wisdom tooth is often more complex than extracting one of the front teeth due to the location of the teeth. Before the procedure, your dentist will explain what will happen and answer any questions you might have about the procedure. They will ensure you are comfortable in the dentist’s chair and ready.
We will use an anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to minimize discomfort. Once the tooth is numb, your dentist will start using specialized tools to loosen the tooth in the socket and gently widen the socket to ease the tooth out. In some cases, your dentist may need to incise the gum or bone to allow more room for the tooth to come out.
Once the tooth is out, we will take steps to start healing and promote recovery, including sutures to close incisions and gauze to cover the treated area. Your dentist will ensure that you feel comfortable with the procedure from start to finish.
We will provide you with some helpful information, possibly including a home-care instruction list, to take with you and help you recover. It might be best to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may be under the effects of the anesthesia for some time.
And just because the procedure is over does not mean we will not still be available for questions. We encourage you to keep us posted on your recovery, especially if anything doesn’t seem right. For example, let us know if you experience prolonged bleeding or swelling in the treated area.
The Best Wisdom Teeth Removal Service in Birmingham
Don’t worry about your wisdom teeth. At Birmingham Dental, we make the removal process as easy and comfortable for you as possible. We’ll ensure you’re relaxed during your procedure and that you recover quickly afterward.
Call us if you’d like to schedule an appointment with Birmingham Dental. One of our friendly team members will be happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.