Wisdom tooth extractions in Fairfield: Procedure and beyond
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in later years, often ages between 17 and 25. Some people have four wisdom teeth with two on both ends on both arches, while others may have just one or two. Because the mouth already has a full set of teeth, the eruption of wisdom teeth often causes severe pain and other concerns. As wisdom teeth are located on the extreme ends of the mouth, there are also other risks, such as infection, decay, and damage to other adjacent teeth. If you have sudden pain or have noticed a wisdom tooth appearing, consider seeing your general dentist in Fairfield, CA, immediately. Depending on the concerns and symptoms, they may recommend removing it. In this post, let’s discuss wisdom tooth extractions in detail.
Understanding the impact of wisdom teeth
If the crown of a wisdom tooth penetrates through the bone but the gums aren’t positioned properly, it can become extremely difficult to clean and brush properly. Food particles can get trapped below the gum with time, leading to an infection or even decay. A patient with soft tissue impaction may experience extreme symptoms such as pain, swelling, and inflammation. Some patients also have what is known as partial bony impaction, where the wisdom tooth partially erupts, but a part of the crown remains inside the gums. Such impaction can also affect oral hygiene practices, eventually leading to decay or disease. In other cases, a wisdom tooth may be entirely encased in the jawbone, which is called complete bony impaction. Removal becomes necessary and is more complicated.
Why remove a wisdom tooth?
Not all third molars need to be removed, but dentists may recommend an extraction if the patient has severe symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Sometimes, a patient may not have any symptoms at all, but the dentist may still suggest removing a tooth if there is a risk of infection, decay, or other problems. Wisdom teeth also pose a risk of causing damage to other teeth, especially second molars, resulting in gum disease, bone loss, and decay. Although not common, cysts and tumors are also added risks. Tooth crowding is another reason to remove wisdom teeth. Crowding is often related to a misaligned bite.
Initial diagnosis
Your dentist will start with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They may order X-rays and other imaging tests to determine the exact position of the wisdom tooth and whether there is decay. It is common for dentists to reconsider whether removing a tooth is necessary, and they will discuss it accordingly, depending on the potential risks.
Reviewing the extraction process
Wisdom teeth extractions are done in the same way as other extractions unless there are complications like a tooth being trapped inside the jawbone. Your dentist will discuss all aspects before they start with the procedure. The first step is to administer local anesthesia, and if you have dental anxiety, you can talk to your dentist about sedation options. While not common, some wisdom tooth removal procedures are done under local anesthesia. If local anesthesia is used, they will gently rock the tooth and remove it with forceps. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut through gum tissues to reach the tooth.
What is recovery like?
Following a wisdom tooth extraction, you will need to rest and eat soft and bland foods. Your dentist will suggest pain relievers and other medications to help manage the discomfort and accelerate the healing. You will have to return for a second follow-up checkup, usually after a few days.
Check online to find dental clinics in Fairfield that specialize in wisdom tooth extractions.
