Experiencing jaw pain? This could be due to your wisdom teeth.
Located in the upper and lower jaw region, wisdom teeth usually become evident during the period of young adulthood, around the age of 17 years. From the first day of making an appearance, wisdom teeth can often create problems which can become significant if left unattended.
What are wisdom teeth?
Most people usually have four wisdom teeth; they are the third molars one in each corner of the mouth at the back (some people may have more or less. They are called wisdom because the teeth usually don’t erupt until later in life typically 17 to 25 years old.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
There is often not enough space for them to fully come through. They only partially erupt into the mouth or don’t come through at all but grow directly towards the second molars, causing impact. This can result in pain, discomfort, and shifting of the other teeth.
Why early removal of wisdom teeth?
Depending on the direction of the wisdom teeth, early removal can help to prevent damage of neighbouring teeth as well as causing multiple infections to the bone and soft tissue area.
Early removal is also essential if the patient is considering braces in the future. Getting wisdom teeth removed after braces can often affect the overall alignment of the teeth and possibly undo any of the work completed by wearing braces.
Wisdom teeth removal symptoms
Most patients usually notice that their wisdom teeth have started coming through as the result of jaw pain. Other symptoms include:
- Pain or irritation (including jaw pain)
- Regular headaches
- Sore and inflamed gums
- Bad breath
Wisdom teeth removal procedure
Wisdom teeth removal does not always occur straight after an initial appointment. During the appointment, our experienced clinicians will discuss with you if removal is required through an x-ray and examination of the projected path of the wisdom teeth. We will also go through what’s involved in the procedure and the options available.
If removal is required, the patient will be booked in at a later date. Before the procedure, anaesthetic will be used to help numb the area as well as sedation for the patient, if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wisdom teeth need to be removed?
The number of wisdom teeth that require removal can differ from person to person. While most people have four wisdom teeth, not everyone has the same number. Whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed depends on your specific circumstances.
If your wisdom teeth are causing issues such as pain, infection, or overcrowding in your mouth, your dentist or oral surgeon may suggest removing one or more of them. However, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, well-positioned, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be extracted.
To determine how many of your wisdom teeth require removal, it’s essential to discuss your situation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will evaluate your case and provide personalised advice on the best course of action for you.
What are the benefits of wisdom teeth removal?
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, having them removed can prevent dental problems such as crowding, infections, pain, cysts, tumors, and gum disease. It’s best to consult with a dental professional to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, infection, or making your mouth feel crowded, they may need to be taken out. But don’t worry, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist or oral surgeon can take a look and let you know whether extraction is necessary for your unique situation.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Lara Smile Group
If you are considering wisdom teeth removal or would like more information about the procedure, contact our experienced team today.
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