The third set of molars, known as wisdom teeth, typically erupt during a person’s late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, the teeth that grow in the late teenage and early adult years often do not have any space left to fit in a person’s mouth. Crowding occurs when a patient’s jaw is too small to accommodate the new set of permanent teeth.
When the teeth do not have room to properly emerge, they sometimes become impacted, which means they are blocked from erupting by the other teeth. Both crowding and impacted teeth can be painful and lead to oral health problems. At Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, in some cases, we recommend patients undergo a minor surgical procedure to remove their wisdom teeth and avoid further complications.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The removal of wisdom teeth is a standard procedure that is performed for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is orthodontic concerns since, for some patients, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth. Without removing these teeth, the surrounding teeth may shift and become crooked as the wisdom teeth make space to grow.
When there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they can also become impacted in the jaw. Impacted teeth can lead to pain and infections. Another reason for extraction is if the wisdom teeth are decayed. Decaying wisdom teeth can be extremely painful and should be treated immediately.
The Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If your wisdom teeth need to be pulled, our dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the gums and tooth roots. Once the mouth is numb, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue over the wisdom tooth. The tissue covering the tooth will be separated to allow access to the tooth’s root. The tooth is then gently rocked back and forth to loosen it from its socket.
Sometimes, the tooth may need to be cut into pieces so that it can be removed from your mouth entirely. The jawbone is also smoothed over to prevent damage to the bone during the healing process. A gauze pad will be placed over the surgical area to control bleeding.
Our dentist will advise you on the best way to care for yourself after surgery and get you back to your routine as soon as possible. There’s usually little to no pain after the procedure is completed. You can begin to eat normal food again after a few days. Most patients heal completely within two weeks of the procedure. You may also be given pain medications to help control discomfort afterward.
Since there are various reasons why you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you should have them evaluated by our dentist to determine what is best for your oral health. For more information, visit Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, at 2610 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, or call (504) 482-9919.