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Wisdom Teeth: What Are They?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that grow in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Our ancient ancestors originally used these teeth to grind and chew tough foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. However, as our diets have evolved, our jaws have become smaller, leaving little room for wisdom teeth to grow properly. This can lead to impacted teeth, infection, and pain, requiring their removal.

Signs & Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

  • Pain in the back of the mouth or jaw
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums or jaw
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Crowding or shifting of other teeth
  • Sinus pain or congestion
  • Inflammation or infection of the gums around the impacted tooth
  • Development of a cyst near the impacted tooth

What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal involves the extraction of one or more impacted wisdom teeth. It is performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with specialized training. Depending on the patient’s needs, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation. After the extraction, patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days while the mouth heals.

Reasons You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth that are causing pain or discomfort
  • Crowding or shifting of other teeth
  • Gum inflammation or infection around the impacted tooth
  • Development of a cyst or tumor near the impacted tooth
  • Decayed or damaged wisdom tooth that cannot be restored with a filling or crown
  • Difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene due to the position of the wisdom teeth
  • Orthodontic treatment that requires wisdom teeth removal to create space in the mouth
  • Preventing future complications due to impacted wisdom teeth

Types of Wisdom Tooth Removal

  • Simple Extraction: A simple extraction may be performed if the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth. The tooth is loosened with a dental instrument and removed using forceps.
  • Surgical Extraction: A surgical extraction may be required if the wisdom tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted. An incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth, and it may need to be removed in pieces.

Your Complete Wisdom Tooth Removal Journey

During a wisdom tooth removal procedure, the dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia or administer conscious sedation or general anesthesia. They will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove it using forceps or breaking it into pieces. After removing the tooth, the dentist will clean the area and place gauze over the extraction site to stop bleeding. You can expect some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but you can resume most of your daily activities within a few days.

Schedule Your Consultation

At Davinci Smiles, our owner and dentist, Dr. Sholina Kherani, provides personalized and exceptional care to all patients. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort due to your wisdom teeth, our patient-focused treatments can help. Located in Edmonton, we offer a range of dental services, including wisdom tooth removal. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and learn more about our expertise and commitment to your dental health.

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