When is Extraction of Wisdom Teeth Necessary?

Most people have four wisdom teeth that are the last teeth to develop. They generally emerge during your late teens or early twenties, and although they once served a biological purpose, today they are mostly vestigial. Very few people will have wisdom teeth that erupt without any problems, but for the vast majority of the population, wisdom teeth eruption will carry some significant problems. The wisdom teeth can become trapped or impacted in the jawbone and fail to erupt. This can create overcrowding and displacement of the other teeth.

It is best to just undergo a wisdom teeth removal before your wisdom teeth have a chance to erupt so there is no risk of complications. A dental extraction is the best course of action, and it can be performed in an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital. First, an incision will be made in the gum tissue, and the bone will be removed so that the crown of the impacted tooth is exposed. The tooth can be extracted as a whole, or it can be removed in pieces. The site will then be closed with stitches.

After the procedure, your dentist will give you some aftercare instructions to ensure a successful recovery. Ice packs can be applied to your cheeks to reduce swelling. Gauze can be placed over the surgical site to reduce bleeding. You should stick to a diet of soft foods and drinks until the site has a chance to heal. And make sure to take any medication that has been prescribed to you.