Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth.They are a third set of molars that usually erupt during your late teens and early twenties.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. They are a third set of molars that usually erupt during your late teens and early twenties. If wisdom teeth erupt properly and grow in straight, they most often do not need to be removed. Often wisdom teeth can be the cause of serious oral problems, including infections, tooth decay, pain, misalignment, and even jaw and nerve damage. Studies today estimate that up to 85% of all wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed.
Implant Dentistry and Periodontics understands the issues around wisdom teeth removal. We offer an extensive range of periodontal and dental implant services that can benefit patients of all ages. Our conscientious staff concentrates on providing you with the appropriate service for your overall oral health. We will address your dental procedure in a quiet and stress-free environment, and we will approach your unique and personal dental care as an important partner on your health care team. If you have questions about the pros and cons of wisdom teeth removal, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
Wisdom teeth were once necessary thousands of years ago so that our early ancestors could eat a rough diet of uncooked meat and bones, which required more chewing power. Over the years, with changes in human dietary needs and jawbone anatomy, our mouths have evolved to the point where wisdom teeth are both unnecessary and are even detrimental to our modern oral health. With our softer diets and shorter jawbones, the average modern human mouth can comfortably accommodate 28 teeth. The addition of four wisdom teeth, totaling 32 teeth, often creates crowding, and eruption problems.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
As wisdom teeth struggle to find room in your crowded mouth, these teeth can grow in sideways, partially emerge, or even remain impacted under the gums. Wisdom teeth can cause obvious issues such as misaligned and crowded teeth. They can also cause many unseen and serious problems, such as jaw and nerve damage. Whether your wisdom teeth have come in or not, they may be causing problems that could include:
- Infection: Infection is the most common result of impacted wisdom teeth that have not been removed. When there is not enough room for your wisdom teeth to erupt, the tissue surrounding the tooth can become irritated, which will lead to the development of an infection with symptoms such as sensitivity, pain, or swelling.
- Crowding: Untreated wisdom teeth can result in you developing the crowding of your teeth, which is the most noticeable with your front teeth. There are several different factors that contribute to teeth crowding in adulthood but retained wisdom teeth are one of the leading reasons.
- Cyst Formation: When a wisdom tooth remains impacted, it is not uncommon for non-infectious diseases to form. Cysts can develop inside your jawbone and then gradually expand, which can subsequently destroy your jawbone or even other teeth. Delaying the removal of wisdom teeth has also been believed to cause tumors to develop.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: When there is not enough room to clean around an erupted wisdom tooth, the surrounding teeth cannot receive the type of cleaning necessary to remain healthy, which will result in the development of gum disease, decay, and bone loss.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Implant Dentistry and Periodontics may recommend sedation for your procedure. With conscious sedation, your consciousness will be slightly depressed for the procedure. This will increase your state of relaxation, reduce anxiety, and create a slightly amnesic effect, thus helping you forget much of the time spent during the procedure. Because of the intensity of the sedation effects, we will not allow you to drive after the procedure, so be sure to have someone available to drive you home. We will discuss your preferred anesthesia level prior to having your wisdom teeth removed.
Once you are properly sedated, Implant Dentistry and Periodontics will begin removing the impacted wisdom teeth by opening the gum tissue that is located directly over the tooth. The tooth will be extracted, or, if necessary, cut into smaller pieces and then removed. Your procedure will likely require sutures, which usually take 3-5 days to dissolve.
Once the wisdom tooth has been removed and the anesthesia has worn off, you will be allowed to leave in the care of a responsible adult. We will prescribe pain medication if necessary, but it is best to stick with over-the-counter anti- inflammatory medications.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
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Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
You may experience some minor bleeding and pain on the first day. Your reaction to surgery may vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some swelling can be expected following the surgery. The swelling usually peaks on the second day and should begin subsiding on the third day. You can limit the amount of swelling by using ice for the entire first day. The more ice you use the first day, the less swelling you are likely to have on the second day. On the third day, you may notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is tougher to open your mouth normally. You can now apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider. It is also wise to limit your physical activities for a few days. We will ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. By following the instructions, you will be as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure. Please give your body a chance to heal before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. It should only take your recovery three to five days.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you schedule an evaluation for wisdom teeth removal procedure with our thorough staff at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be impressed with the level of professionalism in our office and the advanced dental technology at our disposal. We are thoughtful and thorough because we grasp how totally unique and different each of us really are. We are both detail-orientated and conscientious in creating your personalized treatments, to ensure success that works for your desires and budget. The entire team focuses on the development of your healthy smile, so every dental procedure we perform is with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, our clinic has a relaxing and calming atmosphere, and we want you to be confident with our abilities and services. Scheduling an appointment for wisdom teeth removal is an important step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile, healthy teeth, and gums. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Suite 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Suite 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.