Removing wisdom teeth can be an annoying and painful process for many young people. A young person preparing to get their wisdom teeth removed may wonder whether it is even necessary to remove wisdom teeth. Honestly, in many cases wisdom teeth removal may not be required. For cases where it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth, it is important to understand what complications could occur if the teeth were not removed, when the procedure should be completed, and how to care for the teeth and mouth after the extraction.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Let us first describe what a wisdom tooth is and why some dentists say it is not always required to get them removed. Wisdom teeth are the third row of molars that come in at the back of your mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it is entirely possible to have zero to three wisdom teeth or more than four. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth that will g

row into your mouth and usually come in during the later teenage years. Some dentists say that it is unnecessary to remove wisdom teeth if they grow in correctly and there is enough room in the mouth.

When Is It Necessary To Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Even for dentists that do not believe that wisdom teeth always need to be removed, there comes a point where it becomes necessary to remove wisdom teeth. The first indication that you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed is pain, however sometimes even if there is not any pain involved, you will need to get the wisdom teeth removed. 

Another scenario where it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth is if a wisdom tooth grows in at a weird angle. If the wisdom tooth comes in at a strange angle, then it could cause your teeth to be impacted. When a tooth is impacted it means that it is unable to naturally grow through the gums and can cause the other teeth to collide. When the teeth collide it can cause damage including infections, tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes a wisdom tooth will be growing straight up and down like it should, but there is still not enough room in the mouth for it to come in. In this case, the wisdom tooth would cause a lot of pain and could cause bite problems or cause the teeth to get crooked. 

There are several other complications that could arise that are indicators a wisdom tooth should be removed. Cysts can form in the area near the tooth. These must be removed along with the wisdom teeth in order to avoid damage to the jaw bone. Also if you are experiencing red, swollen gums or are starting to get cavities in the pockets formed by your inflamed gums, then it may be advisable to get your wisdom teeth removed.

What To Do After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed

Once you or your dentist have determined that it is time to get your wisdom teeth removed, schedule an appointment and start researching how to prepare for the procedure and what to do after the wisdom teeth have been removed. After you have had wisdom teeth removed, it is likely that you will need some time to recover. Make sure to be cautious after a tooth removal procedure, restrict any physical activities and take time to rest. Apply ice on the outside of the removal site, bite down on a piece of gauze if there is excessive bleeding, and take ibuprofen or Tylenol when you start to feel discomfort. Be gentle with the extraction areas and clean the mouth properly and softly. 

Have More Questions About Tooth Extractions?

Here at Hendersonville Family Dental, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, extractions, or the best way to care for your mouth after a wisdom tooth has been removed. If you need a wisdom tooth removed, we have several experienced dentists that can guide you through the extraction process. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.