What is Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth or our third molars, are the last teeth to pop out right at the back portion of our teeth. They usually emerge between ages 17 to 25. Although some of us may expect more than that. When they do grow out, they can cause tremendous pain and require tooth extraction.
As molars start growing, they also start affecting other teeth by becoming impacted or by growing sideways. This could cause you pain and they need to be removed. Cysts and tumors may appear sometimes around the area where the impaction had taken place, this may require surgery to remove those.
Signs That Show You Might Need Tooth Extraction & Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth often times doesn’t manifest any symptoms. Here are the symptoms that you should observe when your wisdom teeth will need to be removed:
- Jaw stiffness or pain near your impacted wisdom tooth
- Irritation and pain from a tooth that is coming in at a weird angle and rubs on your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of your mouth.
- Swelling feeling on your gums
What is an Impacted Tooth?
A tooth is considered impacted when it is unable to pass through the gums or has only partially emerged through the gums. An impacted tooth usually occurs when a person’s teeth are overcrowded, leaving no room for a new tooth to come through. Our wisdom teeth are the usual victims of becoming impacted, as they typically grow in tilted or displaced as they pass through the gums.
The human species evolved to have wisdom teeth back in a time when dental hygiene was not practiced (a horrible time!) and when people were more likely to lose teeth. But in today’s society with an abundance of dental care, we don’t need wisdom teeth. Often, they do more harm to our dental health than good, especially if they become impacted.
The Risks and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth could cause gum disease, damage to neighboring teeth, tooth decay (caused by the inability to brush teeth where the partially impacted tooth has tilted) and some rare bone destroying cysts.
If you suspect that you have an impacted wisdom tooth, look for the following symptoms:
- pain where your wisdom tooth should be
- red and swollen gums
- swelling around the jaw
- bad breath
- unpleasant taste in your mouth, and
- headache
It is important to report impacted wisdom tooth symptoms, as early as possible, to be further diagnosed by your dentists.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The need for tooth extraction can arise for various reasons, such as severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or injury to the tooth. While removing a tooth can be intimidating, it is a routine and safe dental procedure that can alleviate pain and prevent further complications. Tooth extraction is a common and safe dental procedure that can alleviate pain and prevent further complications. While the thought of having a tooth removed can be intimidating, proper preparation and aftercare can help ensure a successful and speedy recovery. Following the dentist’s instructions and attending any follow-up appointments is important to ensure proper healing and maintain oral health.
While a tooth extraction can be necessary to maintain oral health, it is also important to take preventative measures to avoid the need for extractions in the first place. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings, can help prevent decay and other dental issues. In some cases, the dentist may recommend additional procedures, such as a dental implant or bridge, to replace the missing tooth and restore function and appearance to the mouth.
Signs you might need Tooth Extraction
Here are some signs that you might need a tooth extraction:
- Severe tooth decay: If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or other treatment, it may need to be extracted to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can cause the teeth to loosen and become infected, which may require extraction to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Overcrowding: If your mouth is overcrowded, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to make room for other teeth to grow in properly.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can become impacted if they do not have enough room to grow in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection and may need to be extracted.
- Trauma or injury: If a tooth is cracked, broken, or severely damaged due to trauma or injury, it may need to be extracted if it cannot be repaired with other treatments.
- Infection: If a tooth is infected, it may need to be extracted to prevent it from spreading to other teeth or the surrounding bone.
- Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, teeth such as braces may need to be extracted to make room for orthodontic treatment.
Our dentist can provide guidance and support throughout the process and help ensure a successful and speedy recovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Usually, a panoramic dental x-ray is ordered by the dentist to confirm the presence of an impacted tooth. Once confirmed, you may discuss possible treatment plans with your dentist.
To prevent damage to the adjacent teeth or further tooth decay, it’s common for an impacted tooth to be surgically extracted. Before tooth extraction, your dentist will thoroughly explain the upcoming procedure. Be sure to clarify procedures that you do not understand beforehand so that you do not panic during treatment. After the extraction, the dentist will provide you with a set of going-home instructions that you’ll need to carefully follow in order to take care of your gums where your impacted wisdom tooth was removed.
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Removal
When you are recovering from extraction, be sure to immediately report any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, and tenderness, to your dentist.
It’s good to prevent possible illnesses before they even occur. So if your dentist suggests for you to have your impacted wisdom tooth removed to avoid further complications, then be sure to take that advice to heart so that you can avoid unnecessary pain in the future.
Before the dentist removes your wisdom tooth, he will first give you an anesthesia to numb the area where the pain is felt. Usually, the anesthesia that the doctor will administer is a general anesthesia which could prevent pain in your whole body. However, it will make you sleepy throughout the procedure.
Dr. Changela will probably recommend that you do not eat or drink anything hours before your surgery so that you are prepared for your anesthesia. In extracting the wisdom tooth, the dentist will open up the gums over the tooth and remove any bone that covers the tooth. He will then separate the gum connecting to your wisdom tooth to the bone and extract the tooth.
To see if you are a candidate for this dental treatment, why not consider making an appointment with Dr. Changela?
Call us at (909) 344 3543 or you may also request an appointment online. We hope we could be of service to you soon1
Patient Testimonials
Had some implants put in over the past year and just finished up today. Both the dentists and the staff are kind and welcoming. This very well may be the first dentist office that I look forward to returning to. Glad I found them.
– Jayson Davies
My husband Michael Ibrahim has been a patient of Dr. Changela and Mandeep Patel for a few years. He has had dental work and eight implants by him. His work was excellent. He is knowledgeable and and up to date on the latest technologies and innovations on his field. He is surrounded by competent assistants and friendly administrative staff. My husband highly recommends this caring group for all your dental work needs.
– Maribel Gonzalez
I have been a patient since October 2012. I have never had a problem with my appointments or staff. The staff is very familiar with myself and my husband, always so acomodating. Maria at the front desk has a very polite and professional demeanor. Lina in the back office always has a great smile and so cheerful..love her energy! The dentists are very nice and patient every time. My encounter with the office manager was a positive one as well. Therefore, I will continue going to this dental offfice.
– Michelle P.
Great service! I would highly recommend this office.
– Dane Villamil
