When Should I Extract Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common things Dr. Toyer sees in the office. Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but if they’re malpositioned, cause pain, or are causing other problems, then chances are you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a simple outpatient surgical procedure that can be done in less than an hour. You will need someone to drive you to and from the surgery, however, recovery is quick and the benefits far outweigh not getting the teeth removed.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth at the back of your mouth (wisdom teeth), are inhibited from growing properly. When teeth grow in properly they can erupt and move smoothly into the space that was available for them. Teeth that become impacted can grow sideways, crooked, and oftentimes remain under the bone.

Sometimes a tooth can partially erupt, but this is far from ideal because the small bit of exposed tooth is prone to plaque and bacteria build up. And, an infection or decay in even a small bit of exposed tooth can eventually spread below the surface of your jaw to the rest of the tooth.

Even if your impacted wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, over time they can intercept other tooth roots, which leads to intense pain and discomfort.

When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

There isn’t a set age when doctors believe removal is ideal, however, the earlier impacted teeth are discovered, the sooner you can get them removed. This can save issues down the line and, younger bodies tend to heal better than older individuals.

Ultimately, if you’ve reached a more mature age and ever experienced issues, the doctor might not recommend removal.

What is wisdom tooth removal like?

Don’t let the horror stories you’ve heard scare you. When done by an experienced dentist like Dr. Toyer, wisdom tooth removal is nearly painless. You’re under anesthesia and the surgery is usually complete within 45 minutes.

During the surgery, the doctor will open your gums and dig out the impacted tooth. They will then clean the area and suture it closed. Once the surgery is successfully completed the doctor will then wake you up and reverse the anesthesia.

After the surgery, the doctor will pack your mouth and recommend an icing schedule to reduce swelling. The most important thing to remember when recovering from wisdom tooth removal surgery is to avoid chewing hard, crunchy, or tough. Stick to liquids and soft foods like milkshakes, ice cream, and mashed potatoes. Tough foods can cut your stitches, resulting in swelling, and cause infection.