Wisdom Teeth Removal
SRD on Helton Drive in Florence, AL
 Wisdom tooth extraction can be beneficial for your dental health. When these delayed molars create discomfort, swelling, or any other type of problem, it's time to think about having them removed. These wisdom teeth aren't usually the most welcoming visitors; they can cause infections, disturb surrounding teeth, and even throw your smile out of alignment.
At Singing River Dentistry, we specialize in offering comprehensive solutions for your dental needs. Our Florence AL team of experts understands the importance of maintaining your oral health. We're here to guide you if you're experiencing discomfort due to wisdom teeth issues or seeking expert advice.
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What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final pair of molars that erupt in the rear corners of the mouth during late adolescence or early twenties.
These teeth were required for our ancestors who ate harsh and rough diets. However, with the advancement of cooking and food preparation processes and the evolution of human eating patterns, the necessity for wisdom teeth has dramatically decreased.
The growth of wisdom teeth varies from person to person. Some people have all four wisdom teeth, while others have fewer or none at all. Variability in the mouth is run by heredity and available space.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
The choice to extract your wisdom teeth is based on several variables, including their growth, alignment, and influence on dental health. While some people can keep their wisdom teeth, others develop difficulties that warrant an extraction.
Dentists frequently monitor the growth of wisdom teeth through regular check-ups and x-rays. You're more likely to have issues if your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they don't have enough area to erupt correctly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, swelling, infections, and even damage to neighboring teeth.
Here are a few instances when you would need to get your wisdom teeth extracted:
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Misalignment and Orthodontic Issues: Misaligned wisdom teeth might press against nearby teeth, creating crowding and misalignment. It can reverse the effects of past orthodontic treatment and jeopardize your smile's overall alignment.
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Infection and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted can form pockets where bacteria can concentrate, leading to infections and gum disease. Pain, swelling, and discomfort can result from these illnesses.
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Cysts and Tumors: Cysts and tumors can occur around impacted wisdom teeth in some circumstances. These growths can harm the surrounding bone and teeth and may necessitate surgical excision.
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Age and Recovery: Wisdom tooth extraction is frequently suggested at a younger age when the roots have not fully formed, making the process less complex and the recovery more comfortable. |
Signs and Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of troublesome wisdom teeth is critical to protecting your dental health. While some people have trouble-free wisdom teeth, others may have a variety of complications that need treatment and extractions.
Here are the common signs and symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth:
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Pain and Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth is a frequent symptom of troublesome wisdom teeth. Depending on the degree of the problem, this discomfort might range from a dull ache to a strong and acute pain.
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Swelling and Redness: Swelling and redness at the back of the mouth, particularly behind the wisdom teeth, might suggest inflammation or infection. Tenderness to touch may accompany this.
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Jaw Stiffness: If you're having difficulty opening your mouth fully or experiencing jaw stiffness, your wisdom teeth might be to blame. Impacted or misplaced wisdom teeth can strain the surrounding tissues and muscles.
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Bad Breath or Bad Taste: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can form pockets where food particles and germs become trapped. Even with frequent brushing and flossing, this can result in poor breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
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Difficulty Chewing: Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can make chewing difficult because they interfere with the normal movement of the jaw when eating.
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Headaches and Earaches: Problematic wisdom teeth can induce referred pain, resulting in headaches and earaches in certain situations.
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Infections: Gum infections, or pericoronitis, can occur when a flap of gum tissue covers a portion of a wisdom tooth that erupts. Food and germs can become trapped in this region, resulting in infection, discomfort, and edema.
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Cysts or Tumors: While less frequent, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in more serious issues. |
FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Extraction
For those considering wisdom tooth extraction, it's natural to have questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term maintenance. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
How Long Does the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure Take?
Generally, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?
During the procedure, you'll be under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. However, it's normal to experience some discomfort during the recovery period.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take to Heal?
Recovery times can vary, but most people feel better within a few days. Full healing usually takes a few weeks.
Will I Be Able to Drive Home After the Procedure?
If local anesthesia is administered, you can drive home afterward. However, if your procedure requires general anesthesia or you feel drowsy, it's best to arrange for someone to drive you home safely.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?
Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies are encouraged during the initial days of recovery. As you heal, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods. We can provide a detailed diet plan, ensuring you're well-nourished as you recover.
Take Care of Your Wisdom Teeth: Schedule with Us on Helton Drive in Florence!
At Singing River Dentistry, we believe that everyone should have a healthy set of teeth and a pain-free smile. Wisdom teeth removal has transformed the lives of many of our Florence, AL patients, and we can do the same for you. To find out more or to schedule a consultation, please call us today at (256) 904-4220.
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