Wisdom Teeth Extraction Questions
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Due to developing last, they often result in oral health complications when an individual reaches adulthood.
If a dentist suspects your wisdom teeth will become impacted (remain stuck under the gum line), it is crucial that you have your wisdom teeth extracted prior to impaction, or you risk irreversible damage to your smile and bite. You should ask your dentist about potential problems around the age 13 to 18 years.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
The only way to determine if your wisdom teeth must be extracted is through a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. However, if you experience common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, you should schedule an examination with an oral surgeon immediately to avoid permanent damage. Symptoms signifying an impacted wisdom tooth include:
- Significant mouth pain
- Limitation of jaw opening
- Gum swelling
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Gum tissue infection and discharge
Is there an optimal age to have my wisdom teeth extracted?
The best age for wisdom tooth extraction is between 13 and 21. If you wait beyond this age to deal with your impacted wisdom tooth, the risk of potential complications increases due to greater bonding between the wisdom tooth and jawbone.
Additionally, younger patients recover more easily since wisdom tooth roots are less developed and bone density of adjacent teeth is less than it will be during adulthood.
What are the risks of failing to have an impacted wisdom tooth extracted?
If you avoid or prolong treatment of an impacted wisdom tooth, your entire oral health may be compromised. Complications that can arise include:
- Chronic headaches
- A shifting of teeth, which can result in a bite irregularity
- Development of periodontitis and additional cavities
- Cyst and tumor formation surrounding impacted wisdom teeth
What does recovering from wisdom tooth extraction entail?
The duration of recovery varies with each person and depends on numerous factors, such as severity of impaction and age. Generally, all patients recover within several days and experience pain, swelling, and bleeding.
The office of Dr. Daria Hamrah is equipped with a state of the art recovery unit, allowing patients to rest in comfort until their transportation arrives. Additionally, pain medication will be prescribed in order to alleviate discomfort.
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth have become impacted, please contact NOVA SurgiCare immediately to determine if your wisdom teeth must be extracted. Dr. Hamrah serves patients from the Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia area.