Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, come in between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people have no problem with these teeth coming in, while others have pain, discomfort, crowding, or infection. This means that there is a need to know when it is appropriate to have wisdom teeth removed.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that lie at the back corners of the mouth. Being late comers and having little or no chamber in the jaw, or having them misaligned to come up, some problems come with them. Common issues include:
- Impaction: The tooth is stuck below the gum or bone.
- Crowding: This occurs when there is not enough room for the teeth, causing misalignment of the existing teeth.
- Infection: There is a high risk of accumulating bacterial contamination in the gums with partially emerged teeth.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: Pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth can lead to the destruction of the neighbouring molars.
These concerns sometimes make people look for wisdom teeth removal near you.
Ideal Timing For Extraction
A lot of dental specialists advise checking on the wisdom teeth during the late teenage years or early twenties. This is because at this age, the roots are not fully developed and the bone surrounding the area is not very dense, and this makes extraction easy and healing quick. This means that if you delay removing them, you are likely to have more difficult procedures and an increased risk of complications.
It is, therefore, important to see a dental specialist for checking on your wisdom teeth during this optimal age range if you are planning to get your wisdom tooth extraction near you.
Signs That It Is The Right Time to Remove a Wisdom Tooth
Not everyone needs wisdom tooth extraction. Nevertheless, certain indicators are showing that you must schedule an appointment with a wisdom teeth removal specialist near you:
- Pain or swelling: pain in the back of the mouth.
- Gum Inflammation: The gums are swollen, red, or tender.
- Jaw Stiffness: Not able to open mouth completely.
- Bad Breath: Fetor or bad taste in mouth.
Wisdom teeth can develop slowly, and a regular dental check-up can help to monitor their development and treat any problems that may be developing.
Risks of Postponing Extraction
Some complications of delayed wisdom tooth removal are:
- Infections: It can result in an inflamed condition, pericoronitis, of the gums.
- Cysts or tumours: fluid-filled sacs that can cause damage to the jawbone and the teeth surrounding it.
- Orthodontic Issues: Pressure from the emerging teeth pushes other teeth out of place, which is misalignment.
These potential problems can be prevented by early evaluation by a Port Moody dentist.
The Extraction Process
Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common outpatient procedure that is done by dentists or oral surgeons. The general steps are:
- Consultation: The teeth are assessed through X-rays, and the extraction plan is discussed.
- Anesthesia: Application of local anesthesia, sedation, or even general anesthesia, depending on the level of complexity of the case.
- Extraction: The process of removing the tooth may include making a cut on the gum and removing the bone that is covering the tooth.
- Stitching: The wound is then closed through stitching to enhance the healing process.
- Recovery: The patient will be given post-operative care instructions on how to deal with pain and swelling.
For those looking for a dental clinic near me, it is important to select a good facility with proper personnel to reduce the chances of complications during and after the procedure.
Visit The Local dentist, Mint Dental
The best age to have wisdom teeth removed depends on the person, but checking up on them early and taking precautions can help to avoid other issues later. If you have your wisdom teeth taken out in the late teens or early twenties, then you are less likely to have complications, you will heal faster, and you will have a healthier smile.
At Mint Dental, we are here to assist you from the moment you need an evaluation to the time you need recovery. Contact Mint Dental, your dentist in Port Moody, and let our experts take care of your oral health.Call us!