Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars. They usually come in when you are a teenager, though many start to come in when you are in your twenties.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
In the end, whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed is a decision you will need to make after speaking with your dentist. But if you notice any of the following signs, that conversation about your wisdom teeth can’t wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Pain is one of the most obvious signs your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. You may notice pain either along your entire jawline or just in a single location in the back of your mouth. You may also develop painful or bleeding gums. Quite often the pain is most acute while eating or brushing, but sometimes you can experience a high level of pain throughout the day.
Jaw stiffness is common when there are problems with your wisdom teeth. Whether your jaw feels sore or you are unable to open your mouth as wide as usual, it may show you should have your wisdom teeth removed. This soreness occurs when emerging wisdom teeth crowd and shift your existing teeth. If left untreated, your teeth will shift and may become crooked.
Constant colds, headaches, and sinus infections are a clear signal you have a dental problem. Your oral and nasal cavities connect. When you have any upper wisdom teeth issues, you can usually feel sinus pain or pressure. After having your wisdom removed, your sinus pain should disappear.
The development of oral cysts around your wisdom teeth is a dangerous sign you need immediate treatment. When a tooth does not emerge completely from the gum line, dentists say it is “impacted”. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, the sacs near the tooth may fill with fluid which can lead to an infection. When this occurs, a cyst can form. Oral cysts, besides being painful, can lead to permanent jaw and tooth damage.
Dental Implants
What can you do when you are missing teeth in only one area? One potential option is dental implants. Dental implants can be used in almost any area of the mouth to replace missing teeth. They can be placed singly, to replace one missing tooth, or in pairs that form a bridge, to replace a series of missing teeth.
Implants have been used for decades to help patients have strong healthy smiles. They have been proven to be safe, and can be beautiful and long lasting. The process of getting dental implants starts with having the implant placed. Once the implant is secure (a process which may involve healing time) a crown is placed on the implant. The crown is made of porcelain and supported by titanium. it is custom designed to look like a natural tooth, matching your existing teeth and smile. Once your crown is placed, it can be difficult for even a dentist to tell which tooth is false by looking at them!
Extractions And Oral Surgery For Adults & Children
Sometimes it may be necessary to have a tooth extracted, commonly known as having a tooth “pulled.” Although teeth are made to last a lifetime, there are several reasons a extractions may be necessary.
Some of those reasons are:
- Infected Teeth
- Crowded Teeth
- Badly Damaged Teeth
How Does an Extraction Work?
Our patients’ comfort is our primary concern. We offer nitrous gas (laughing gas) for those patients who may need to relax a bit before a procedure. Once comfortable, anesthetic is given to numb the tooth and the area around it. Through the use of special tools, the tooth is removed and then the socket is treated so that it will heal properly. A blood clot forms in the remaining socket. To stop the bleeding, the dentist may ask the patient to bite down on a gauze pad, or place a couple stiches.
What Do I Do After an Extraction?
Proper care is essential to make sure you heal properly after an extraction. Take any medication as prescribed, and make sure to use gauze and ice as needed to control bleeding and inflammation. Eat soft foods and avoid suction like with straws or cigarettes. Brush the teeth around the site gently. You can also rinse your mouth gently with a warm salt solution to keep it clean and help it feel better.
For more detailed Post Extraction instructions click here!