Wisdom Tooth Extraction Mesa AZWisdom teeth are the teeth furthest back in your mouth, often referred to as the third molars. For some individuals, wisdom teeth can cause a myriad of dental problems that necessitate surgical extraction. Before wisdom tooth surgery, there are a few steps you must take to prepare for your wisdom tooth extraction. At Timothy H. Kindt, DDS, we perform oral surgery to remove any impacted wisdom teeth. Below, we share an in-depth explanation of the wisdom tooth extraction process. Wisdom Tooth Extraction ProcedureWisdom tooth removal is a delicate procedure. An X-ray of your mouth is first taken to determine the suitable approach for the procedure. Dr. Kindt will then administer an injection of local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding areas. If you are anxious about needles, alternative methods can be used to numb the area. Our dentist will ensure you are as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The approach to wisdom tooth removal depends on whether it is impacted. If the tooth is below the gums, the oral surgery will require a small incision in your gum to access the impacted tooth. The procedure may also involve cutting the tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate its removal. If your tooth is above the gums, no incision is necessary. You may feel a bit of pressure just before the tooth is extracted, as our dentist will rock the tooth back and forth to widen the tooth socket. Thanks to the local anesthesia injected into the gum area, you will not experience any pain during the procedure. The entire process should take only a few minutes, after which you will be free to go home. Impacted Wisdom TeethYour wisdom teeth can encounter difficulties when attempting to emerge through your gums. Often, they lack the necessary space to break through, resulting in what is commonly referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. These are wisdom teeth that either fail to emerge fully or cannot develop in the same manner as your other teeth. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, you are at a higher risk of experiencing significant pain, which is a common reason many individuals opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to other dental issues, particularly because they are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Non-Impacted Wisdom TeethNon-impacted wisdom teeth are those that have successfully emerged above the gum line because they had enough space to do so. Having all your wisdom teeth emerge above the gum line is generally positive. However, this does not eliminate potential problems. Often, both erupted and non-erupted wisdom teeth can cause issues. Consult our dentist to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be kept or extracted. Types of Wisdom Teeth ImpactionDepending on the type of impaction, Dr. Kindt will have a specific plan for wisdom tooth removal. Here are the ways your wisdom teeth could be impacted: Mesial ImpactionMesial impactions occur when your wisdom tooth is partially erupted but angled forward. The tooth erupts and leans strongly toward the front of your oral cavity instead of toward the back. When your wisdom tooth leans forward, it exerts too much pressure on adjacent teeth, which can precipitate some level of damage. Vertical ImpactionsYour wisdom teeth can erupt in their usual position, similar to your other teeth; however, they may decide to remain below the gums. When this happens, our dentist will diagnose you with vertically impacted wisdom teeth. Vertical impactions may not necessarily affect your other teeth. Still, they might exert pressure against the bone or precipitate the displacement of your neighboring molars. Horizontal ImpactionsHorizontally impacted teeth lie entirely sideways, just below the gums. The harder the tooth tries to find space, the more it presses against neighboring teeth, resulting in significant wisdom tooth pain. The pressure can also damage adjacent teeth, and horizontal impaction requires immediate attention from our dentist, who will most likely remove the wisdom tooth surgically. Causes of Wisdom Tooth ImpactionYour teeth typically emerge through the gums during infancy. Later, you will lose those milk teeth, which will be replaced by permanent ones. Most teeth find their way to the surface of your gums without any issues, except for your wisdom teeth, which tend to get stuck in the gum tissue for various reasons. The primary reason for wisdom teeth impaction is the lack of sufficient room for the teeth to emerge. Your jaw may be too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth, and as they try to emerge, they can become twisted, displaced, or tilted. This struggle often results in impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted Wisdom Tooth ComplicationsImpacted wisdom teeth are quite common, and many cases can be painless and cause no immediate problems. However, our dentist will inform you that impacted wisdom teeth pose a significant oral health risk. Firstly, impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, leading to a misaligned bite. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can trap food particles, plaque, and other debris in the soft tissue around them. This can lead to a range of issues, including inflammation, tenderness, and unpleasant mouth odor. The accumulation of plaque and food debris can also result in tooth decay, affecting both the wisdom tooth and the neighboring teeth. Common FAQs About Wisdom Teeth ExtractionAre Impacted Wisdom Teeth More Painful to Remove?While it is harder to remove wisdom teeth, the process of removing them is not painful. Moreover, our dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth and later give you pain relievers to manage any discomfort you might feel after the oral surgery. Complications After Wisdom Tooth ExtractionWisdom teeth extraction can come with a few risks, as is common with any surgical procedure. For instance, you might experience what is called a dry socket if you drink from a straw before properly healing, which exposes the bones. Additionally, food debris can become trapped in the empty socket, leading to infection. In such cases, an antibiotic may be required to treat the oral infection. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Extraction?Recovery from extraction involves the empty socket completely healing within one to two weeks. However, you are free to resume your usual routine immediately after the extraction procedure is completed. Enjoy Pain-Free Dental Extraction With UsVisit us today and meet our team at Timothy H. Kindt, DDS to discuss your wisdom teeth, whether they are impacted or not, and learn why removing them may be beneficial for you. Contact us at (480) 939-5818 to schedule your appointment today. |
|
1244 N Greenfield Rd, Suite 105 Mesa, AZ85205-4078 Call (480) 939-5818 |