The Third Set of Molars
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, our skilled dentists in New Orleans, LA recommend patients undergo wisdom tooth extractions in New Orleans 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 Removal in New Orleans
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
- What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. They were once useful for our ancestors, but in modern times, they often cause problems due to limited space in the jaw.
- Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people’s wisdom teeth emerge without causing any issues. However, if the teeth are impacted, misaligned, or causing pain, infection, or other dental problems, removal may be necessary.
- What are the signs that I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Common signs that wisdom teeth may need to be removed include pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, swollen gums, difficulty opening the mouth, or signs of infection like redness or pus. Your dentist will evaluate your situation to determine the best course of action.
- Is the removal of wisdom teeth painful?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some swelling, discomfort, or bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and ice packs.
- How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and discomfort are common but typically subside within a few days. It’s important to follow aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, to ensure proper healing.
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.