Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, have been the source of countless dental discussions, sometimes associated with pain, mystery, and in some cases, fear. If you're curious about what your wisdom teeth are, why they can cause problems, and how they're treated, this is the blog post for you. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, straight from our experienced team at iSmile Dental, your trusted Langley dentist.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are called 'wisdom' because they come in at a mature age, supposedly when a person gains 'wisdom'. However, not everyone has wisdom teeth; some people may have one or two, others may have all four, and some may have none at all.
As humans evolved, our jaws became smaller while our dietary habits changed, rendering these extra grinding teeth unnecessary. Nowadays, many people don't have enough space in their mouths to accommodate wisdom teeth comfortably, which can lead to problems.
When a wisdom tooth is unable to erupt properly due to lack of space, it's said to be 'impacted.' Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various complications, including gum infections, decay, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. They can also cause discomfort, swelling, and occasionally severe pain.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly, and you can clean them properly, there's no reason to remove them.
However, removal may be necessary if you're experiencing complications like pain, infection, cysts, tumors, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay. At iSmile Dental, your Langley dentist, we use advanced diagnostic tools to monitor the development and position of your wisdom teeth to determine the most suitable treatment option.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure usually performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, remove the bone blocking access to the tooth root, divide the tooth into sections if it's easier to remove in pieces, remove the tooth, clean the site of the removed tooth, stitch the wound closed to promote healing (though this isn't always necessary), and place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you'll need to rest and take care of the extraction site to ensure proper healing. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include using ice packs to control swelling, taking prescribed medications to manage pain, avoiding strenuous physical activity, eating soft foods, and avoiding smoking or using a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot formed in the extraction site.
Wisdom teeth can seem daunting, but they don't have to be. With a seasoned team of dental professionals on your side, you can navigate wisdom teeth issues with confidence. If you're in Langley and want to discuss your wisdom teeth or any other dental concerns, the team at iSmile Dental is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Let's maintain your smile together.
Contact iSmile, your Langley Dentist to book an appointment to remove your wisdom teeth.
